UN Security Council backs Morocco plan for Western Sahara autonomy

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI lauded the vote as ‘historic’, saying ‘we are opening a new and victorious chapter in the process of enshrining the Moroccan character of the Sahara’. (AFP pic)
NEW YORK: The UN Security Council (UNSC) voted yesterday in favour of a resolution brought forward by the US backing Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara as the “most feasible” solution for the disputed territory, angering Algeria.
The Western Sahara is a vast mineral-rich former Spanish colony that is largely controlled by Morocco but has been claimed for decades by the pro-independence Polisario Front, which is supported by Algeria.
The security council had previously urged Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria and Mauritania to resume talks to reach a broad agreement.
However, at the initiative of Donald Trump’s administration, the council shifted to support a plan, initially presented by Rabat in 2007, in which Western Sahara would enjoy autonomy under Morocco’s sole sovereignty.
The resolution, adopted by 11 votes with none against and three abstentions – with Algeria refusing to participate – said autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty may be the basis for future negotiations to resolve the 50-year-old conflict.
“Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a most feasible solution,” the UNSC resolution said.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI lauded the vote as “historic,” saying “we are opening a new and victorious chapter in the process of enshrining the Moroccan character of the Sahara”.
Trump, during his first term in office, in 2020 recognised Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara after Morocco normalised relations with Israel – achieving top diplomatic objectives for both Rabat and Washington.
Spain, France, Britain and Germany have since expressed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory.
US-led resolution
Trump, who has set his sights on receiving a Nobel Peace Prize, often boasts about his ability to help end conflicts around the world, claiming key roles in Gaza, Kashmir and several other hotspots in recent months.
The UN envoy on Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, has welcomed US efforts to solve the issue but raised concerns about lack of detail in Morocco’s plan.
Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama said the text “does not faithfully or sufficiently reflect the UN doctrine on decolonisation.”
It “fell short of the expectations and legitimate aspirations of the people of Western Sahara, represented by the Polisario Front (who) have been resisting for over 50 years to have, as the sole party, a say in their own destiny,” he added.
The resolution adopted Friday calls on UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres and de Mistura to conduct negotiations on the basis of the plan to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
It also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another year.