🔗 Share this article UN Backs Resolution Favoring Morocco's Position on Disputed Territory UN's top security body has adopted a American-supported resolution that favors Morocco's position regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria. Split Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance While the recent vote was divided, the resolution represents the most significant endorsement yet for Moroccan plan to maintain control over the territory, which also has backing from the majority of European Union countries and a increasing number of African allies. Measure Framework and Key Elements The document describes Moroccan plan as a basis for negotiation. As with earlier resolutions, the text doesn't include a referendum on independence that contains independence as an choice, which represents the approach long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters. Genuine autonomy under Morocco's authority could represent a most feasible resolution. Historical Context The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastal arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested territory. Decision Results and Global Reactions The United States, which sponsored the resolution, guided eleven nations in deciding in favor, while 3 countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not vote. Mike Waltz, the US representative to the UN, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara". The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier versions, it "still has a series of deficiencies". Peacekeeping Operation and Future Assessment The resolution also renews the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its supporters' preferred resolution. The UN resolution urges all parties participating to "take this unique chance for a enduring resolution." Depending on progress, it asks the secretary general to review the operation's mandate within six months. Regional Impact and Current Situation The change could unsettle a protracted situation that for decades has escaped settlement, desdespite a United Nations security mission that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to abandon their fight for independence. Morocco controls nearly all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow strip known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall. Historical Background and Recent Developments A 1991 ceasefire was intended to facilitate a referendum on independence, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from taking place. Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed territory, building a deepwater port and a long highway. State support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as major settlements. Polisario withdrew from the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a route the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania. The group has subsequently frequently documented security activity, while the government has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations describes it "limited hostilities". Global Diplomacy and Future Possibilities Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not join any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," saying resolution "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims". The conflict represents the driving force in north African international relations. Morocco considers support for its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its allies. Last October, the UN representative proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side accepted. He encouraged the government to specify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a lack of development might question the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain useful." The push to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the United States slashes financial support for UN programmes and agencies, including peacekeeping.