The United Nations has greenlit a resolution backing Morocco's claim over Western Sahara, a move supported by 11 countries but opposed by Algeria and several African nations. The resolution essentially solidifies Moroccan control over the disputed territory, despite ongoing protests from the Polisario Front and its supporters.
The US-led initiative now gives Morocco more leeway to manage the region it has claimed as its own, citing "genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty" as a viable solution. However, this stance is deeply contested by the Polisario Front, which insists on self-determination with independence as an option β a principle long championed by Algeria and other international allies.
Critics of the resolution view it as a significant setback for efforts to achieve lasting peace in Western Sahara, given the absence of any direct reference to referendum rights. Morocco's dominance over 75% of the territory is evident, including control over cities like Dakhla and Laayoune, where Moroccans have settled.
Meanwhile, Algeria sees this move as an affront to its interests and its support for the Polisario Front. Amidst mounting tensions, several African nations with ties to Morocco abstained from voting in favor of the resolution, highlighting the growing divide over Western Sahara.
This UN-approved measure comes at a time when the United States is scrutinizing funding for international peacekeeping operations β including those within the UN system. The shift may signal a further deterioration in global cooperation on long-standing conflicts like that of Western Sahara, leaving some to wonder if the UN's role in mediating disputes will continue to be effective.
The US-led initiative now gives Morocco more leeway to manage the region it has claimed as its own, citing "genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty" as a viable solution. However, this stance is deeply contested by the Polisario Front, which insists on self-determination with independence as an option β a principle long championed by Algeria and other international allies.
Critics of the resolution view it as a significant setback for efforts to achieve lasting peace in Western Sahara, given the absence of any direct reference to referendum rights. Morocco's dominance over 75% of the territory is evident, including control over cities like Dakhla and Laayoune, where Moroccans have settled.
Meanwhile, Algeria sees this move as an affront to its interests and its support for the Polisario Front. Amidst mounting tensions, several African nations with ties to Morocco abstained from voting in favor of the resolution, highlighting the growing divide over Western Sahara.
This UN-approved measure comes at a time when the United States is scrutinizing funding for international peacekeeping operations β including those within the UN system. The shift may signal a further deterioration in global cooperation on long-standing conflicts like that of Western Sahara, leaving some to wonder if the UN's role in mediating disputes will continue to be effective.