UN Security Council Backs US-Drafted Resolution on Western Sahara, Dealing Blow to Algeria
The UN Security Council recently adopted a US-drafted resolution on the Western Sahara, a move that has been perceived as a setback for Algeria. This North African nation has made the Western Sahara issue a cornerstone of its diplomatic efforts, particularly since gaining a non-permanent seat on the Security Council at the start of 2024. The resolution’s passage underscores the complex and often contentious dynamics surrounding this long-standing territorial dispute.
Algeria’s prioritization of the Western Sahara issue stems from its long-standing support for the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi independence movement seeking self-determination for the territory. This support has deep historical roots and is intertwined with regional rivalries, particularly with Morocco, which claims sovereignty over Western Sahara. The Polisario Front, recognized by the UN as the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people, has been engaged in a decades-long struggle for independence. This struggle has included armed conflict, diplomatic efforts, and humanitarian concerns, all playing out against the backdrop of a challenging geopolitical landscape.
The recent Security Council resolution, seen as aligning with the Moroccan position, likely focuses on the need for a realistic, pragmatic, and enduring political solution to the conflict. While the specific details of the resolution would need further examination, it’s probable that it reiterates the Security Council’s commitment to the UN-led political process and calls upon all parties to engage constructively in finding a mutually acceptable solution. This approach contrasts with Algeria’s stance, which has traditionally advocated for a referendum on self-determination for the Sahrawi people.
The implications of this resolution are significant. For Algeria, it represents a diplomatic challenge, potentially impacting its influence within the Security Council and the broader international community. The resolution could also influence the ongoing political process, potentially shifting the balance of power and affecting the future of the Western Sahara. The international community continues to grapple with finding a lasting solution that respects the rights and aspirations of the Sahrawi people while addressing the geopolitical complexities of the region.
The Western Sahara conflict, often described as “Africa’s last colony,” has been a source of instability in the region for decades. The territory, rich in natural resources including phosphates and potentially offshore oil, has been the subject of competing claims between Morocco and the Polisario Front since Spain withdrew in 19
