UN Security Council Endorses Morocco’s Sovereignty Claim in Sahara

The UN Security Council has approved a resolution supporting Morocco’s claim to the contested territory of Western Sahara. The vote, held on October 27, 2023, was backed by the United States and represents the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco’s assertion of sovereignty over the region, despite significant opposition from Algeria.

The resolution acknowledges Morocco’s autonomy plan as a foundation for future negotiations. It notably refrains from mentioning a referendum on self-determination, a solution long advocated by the pro-independence Polisario Front, which claims to represent the indigenous Sahrawi people. Algeria, a primary supporter of the Polisario Front, elected not to vote on the resolution.

The UN resolution garnered support from 11 countries, while three—Russia, China, and Pakistan—abstained. Following the vote, Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the UN, stated that the decision is “historic” and will help foster a long-awaited peace in Western Sahara. In contrast, Amar Bendjama, Algeria’s ambassador to the UN, criticized the resolution for not meeting the aspirations of the Sahrawi people, expressing that it falls short of what is necessary for lasting peace.

The resolution posits that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a most feasible solution.” Additionally, it extends the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another year, a continuation of efforts that have persisted for over three decades. Previous extensions, however, have not included references to Morocco’s preferred outcomes.

In urging all parties to “seize this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting peace,” the resolution also tasks UN Secretary-General António Guterres with reviewing the peacekeeping mission’s mandate within six months, contingent on progress in negotiations. This shift has the potential to disrupt a protracted process that has remained unresolved despite the presence of a UN peacekeeping mission intended to be temporary.

Demonstrations erupted in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria following the vote, with participants vowing to continue their struggle for self-determination. Morocco currently controls nearly all of Western Sahara, with the exception of a narrow strip known as the “free zone,” which lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

The conflict traces its roots back to 1975, when Spain relinquished control of the territory. A ceasefire in 1991 aimed to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but disputes over voter eligibility have stalled progress. Over the years, Morocco has invested significantly in the region, developing infrastructure, including a deepwater port and a 656-mile (1,055-km) highway, while state subsidies have helped maintain low prices for food and energy.

Since Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 due to clashes near a road being constructed by Morocco to Mauritania, reports of military activity have increased, although Morocco has largely denied any open conflict. The UN describes the situation as “low-level hostilities.” In response to the recent resolution, Polisario stated it would not participate in any efforts that could legitimize Morocco’s “illegal military occupation,” asserting that true peace cannot be achieved by endorsing expansionist actions.

Morocco’s Foreign Ministry did not provide comments prior to the vote. The ongoing conflict significantly influences diplomatic relations in North Africa, with Morocco viewing support for its autonomy plan as a measure of its allies’ commitment.

In a previous discussion, UN envoy Staffan de Mistura proposed the partitioning of Western Sahara, a suggestion that was rejected by both parties. He emphasized the need for Morocco to clarify the specifics of its autonomy proposal, warning that a lack of progress could raise questions about the UN’s relevance in the situation.

The recent vote occurs in the context of the United States reducing its funding for various UN programs, including peacekeeping initiatives. US officials are adopting a selective funding approach, determining which operations align with their national interests while arguing that the UN’s budget is excessive. They plan to halt new contributions until a comprehensive review of UN agencies and programs is completed.