The UN Security Council voted Friday in favor of a resolution brought forward by the United States supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara as the “most feasible” solution for the disputed territory.
Thousands of people gathered in the streets of Moroccan cities to celebrate the vote. They carried flags and chanted patriotic slogans.
However, neighboring Algeria, which did not participate in the vote, has expressed dismay over the decision.
Morocco and Algeria at loggerheads
The Western Sahara is a mineral-rich former Spanish colony that is largely controlled by Morocco.
However, the vast territory has also been claimed for decades by the pro-independence Polisario Front, which is supported by Algeria.
Morocco considers the area its own while the Polisario Front seeks to establish an independent state called the Sahrawi Republic.
“We urge all parties to use the coming weeks to come to the table and engage in serious discussions,” US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz told the council following the vote. “We believe regional peace is possible this year, and we will make every effort to facilitate progress.”
Who voted for and against the resolution?
Russia, China and Pakistan abstained, while Algeria did not participate in the vote. The remaining 11 council members voted in favor of the resolution, which also renewed for one year the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Western Sahara, known as MINURSO.
“The final decision on the future cannot, must not, belong to anyone other than the people under colonial domination,” Algeria’s UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama told the council after the vote. “This text ignores the proposals of the Polisario Front … They are a party to the conflict, and their opinion must be heard.”
Meanwhile, Polisario Front representative Sidi Omar stated that the resolution does not imply any recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
The Polisario Front subsequently issued a statement saying that they would not participate in “any peace process or negotiations based on proposals that aim to legitimize the Moroccan military occupation.”
Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko
