🔗 Share this article UN Endorses Resolution Favoring Moroccan Claim on Western Sahara The UN Security Council has adopted a US-backed resolution that supports Morocco's claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite significant opposition from neighboring Algeria. Split Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance Although Friday's vote was divided, the resolution constitutes the most significant endorsement to date for Morocco's plan to retain control over the territory, which additionally enjoys backing from the majority of European Union countries and a increasing number of African partners. Measure Framework and Important Components The resolution describes Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the text doesn't include a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the approach traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters. Real self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a very feasible resolution. Historical Context Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastal desert the area of Colorado which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed territory. Voting Results and Global Responses The US, which sponsored the resolution, guided eleven countries in voting in favor, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate. Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue resolution in Western Sahara". The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the UN, commented that while the measure was an improvement on earlier versions, it "contains a number of shortcomings". Security Operation and Upcoming Review The resolution also extends the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been done for more than three decades. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome. The measure calls on all parties involved to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting resolution." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months. Regional Impact and Present Situation The shift could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for many years has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping operation that was intended to be temporary. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in Algeria this week, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for independence. The Moroccan government controls almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow area known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier. Historical Background and Recent Events A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria blocked it from taking place. Through time, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. State support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements. The movement withdrew from the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a road Morocco was paving to Mauritania. The group has since regularly documented military activity, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The UN describes it "low-level tensions". International Relations and Coming Prospects In response to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not join any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal presence," adding peace "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims". The conflict constitutes the central issue in regional international relations. Morocco considers support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies. Last October, the UN representative proposed partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side accepted. He encouraged the government to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the UN's function and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain effective." The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the US reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, covering peacekeeping.