🔗 Share this article United Nations Endorses Resolution Favoring Moroccan Claim on Western Sahara The UN Security Council has passed a American-supported resolution that favors Moroccan claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite significant resistance from neighboring Algeria. Split Decision Strengthens Moroccan Position Although Friday's decision was divided, the resolution constitutes the most significant support yet for Morocco's plan to maintain control over the territory, which also enjoys support from the majority of European Union members and a growing number of African partners. Measure Structure and Key Elements The document describes Morocco's proposal as a basis for talks. As with earlier measures, the document makes no mention of a referendum on independence that includes sovereignty as an option, which represents the approach traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters. Genuine autonomy under Morocco's authority could constitute a most feasible resolution. Background Context The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastal arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which operates from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people native to the disputed region. Decision Results and Global Responses The US, which sponsored the resolution, guided 11 nations in voting in support, while 3 countries – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, Polisario's main supporter, did not participate. Mike Waltz, the American representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed peace in the region". The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier versions, it "contains a number of deficiencies". Security Operation and Upcoming Review The resolution also extends the UN security mission in the territory for another year, as has been implemented for over three decades. Previous renewals, however, have not included a mention to Morocco and its supporters' favored outcome. The measure urges all parties involved to "take this unique opportunity for a lasting resolution." Depending on progress, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months. Regional Impact and Current Situation The shift could disrupt a protracted process that for many years has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping operation that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this week, where residents have pledged not to give up their struggle for self-determination. Morocco controls nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin area called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier. Historical Background and Recent Developments A 1991-era ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place. Over the years, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, building a deepwater port and a long highway. State support keep basic commodity prices low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in cities such as major settlements. The movement ended the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a route Morocco was constructing to neighboring Mauritania. The movement has subsequently regularly reported military operations, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "low-level tensions". Global Relations and Coming Possibilities Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," saying resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism". The conflict represents the driving force in regional international relations. Morocco views support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies. Recently, the UN representative proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He encouraged the government to specify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a absence of development might question the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain useful." The push to review the UN operation comes as the US slashes funding for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering security operations.