UN Resolution Shifts Stance on Western Sahara, Backing Potential Moroccan Autonomy
A recent United Nations resolution regarding Western Sahara represents a important shift in approach, suggesting that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty” could be a viable path towards a resolution of the decades-long dispute. The resolution also extends the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for another year, continuing a practice spanning over three decades.However, unlike previous extensions, this measure explicitly acknowledges Morocco’s preferred outcome for the territory.
The UN is calling on all parties to utilize this “unprecedented opportunity for a lasting peace,” and has tasked Secretary-General António Guterres with reviewing MINURSO’s mandate in six months, contingent on progress made.
This move has already sparked protest. Demonstrations have taken place in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria, with residents vowing to continue their pursuit of self-determination.
The conflict centers around Western Sahara, a territory largely controlled by Morocco, with the exception of a narrow “free zone” east of a Moroccan-built sand wall. A 1991 ceasefire aimed to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented the vote from ever taking place.
As then, Morocco has invested heavily in the disputed territory, constructing infrastructure like a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway, and incentivizing Moroccan citizens to settle there thru state subsidies.
The fragile peace was disrupted in 2020 when the Polisario Front, representing the Sahrawi people, withdrew from the ceasefire following clashes near a road Morocco was building towards Mauritania. While Morocco largely denies ongoing conflict, the UN characterizes the situation as ”low-level hostilities,” with Polisario regularly reporting military activity.
The Polisario Front has rejected the resolution, stating they will not participate in any process that “legitimises” Morocco’s occupation, arguing that peace cannot be achieved through rewarding ”expansionism.” Morocco, though, views the resolution as a positive step, with King Mohammed VI declaring it the beginning of a “new and victorious chapter” in solidifying the Moroccan character of Western Sahara and bringing the issue to a “definitive close.”
The Western Sahara dispute is a central element of North African diplomacy, with Morocco using support for its autonomy plan as a key indicator of its allies’ commitment.
Previous attempts at resolution, such as a partitioning proposal suggested by UN envoy Staffan de Mistura last October, have been unsuccessful. De mistura had urged Morocco to clarify the details of its autonomy proposal and warned that a lack of progress could question the UN’s continued relevance in the conflict.
This resolution comes amidst a broader trend of the United States reassessing its funding for UN programs, including peacekeeping operations. US officials are adopting an “a la carte” approach, selectively funding agencies and operations deemed to align with US interests, citing concerns about budget bloat and a need for review.
