UN Security Council Endorses Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara

2 days ago7 min read

The United Nations Security Council has formally endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan for the disputed territory of Western Sahara, a significant diplomatic development that signals a major shift in the international approach to the decades-long conflict. The resolution, strongly supported by the United States, lends substantial weight to Morocco's claim over the mineral-rich region, moving away from the UN's traditional emphasis on a referendum for self-determination.This decision comes after nearly five decades of dispute following Spain's colonial withdrawal in 1975, which left Morocco and the Polisario Front, representing the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, in conflict over the territory's status. Analysts note the resolution reflects evolving geopolitical realities, including Morocco's recent normalization of relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.The decision has raised concerns about the future of Sahrawi refugees living in camps in Algeria and the potential impact on the UN's peacekeeping mission, MINURSO, which has monitored the ceasefire since 1991. While celebrated in Rabat as a diplomatic victory, the resolution has drawn criticism from those who argue it undermines the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and could destabilize the already volatile North African region.

#UN Security Council

#Western Sahara

#Morocco

#US support

#resolution

#international relations

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