The United Nations Security Council has voted to extend the mandate of its Western Sahara mission, known as MINURSO, for an additional year. The decision, made on Friday, also formally endorses Morocco’s autonomy plan as the sole basis for resolving the long-standing conflict. This move has sparked division within the international community.
The resolution, drafted by the United States, was passed with 11 votes in favor and three abstentions. It marks a significant shift in the UN’s approach, as it explicitly recognizes Morocco’s 2007 Autonomy Proposal as the foundation for a fair and lasting resolution. This development departs from the organization’s traditional emphasis on achieving a mutually acceptable solution through direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
The vote has revealed deep divisions, with Algeria, the main backer of the Polisario Front, abstaining from the vote. The Algerian ambassador stated that the text does not accurately reflect the UN’s stance on decolonization. Similarly, South Africa’s deputy ambassador expressed concerns that the conflict cannot be settled through a non-inclusive peace process. A representative of the Polisario Front also rejected the resolution, stating that it does not recognize Moroccan sovereignty and that their struggle for self-determination will continue.
The conflict over Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony largely controlled by Morocco since 1975, has been ongoing for decades. The UN considers the territory non-self-governing. The recent resolution intensifies the diplomatic battle over the region, with growing Western support for the Moroccan plan since its endorsement by the US in 2020. This development further isolates the Polisario Front and its allies, leaving the fundamental question of self-determination unresolved.
The situation in Western Sahara remains complex, with the Polisario Front seeking independence and Morocco offering autonomy. The UN’s decision is likely to have significant implications for the region, with potential consequences for the local population and the international community. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the parties involved will respond to the latest developments and what steps will be taken to address the longstanding conflict. The international community will be closely watching the situation, as the search for a lasting resolution to the Western Sahara conflict continues.
