New Developments in the UN Resolution on Western Sahara
On October 26, 2023, the United States unveiled a new version of its draft resolution concerning the Western Sahara, known as the "blue version." Despite some minor modifications from the previous day's draft, the text remains largely favorable to Morocco's interests. Notably, it emphasizes the continuation of the United Nations mission in the region, MINURSO, and suggests extending its mandate until October 31, 2027. This extension may include a reclassification of MINURSO into a "UN Political Mission for Western Sahara," reflecting Morocco's longstanding position on the matter.
Importantly, the draft clarifies that MINURSO will support political processes and confidence-building measures, while explicitly stating that it will no longer be involved in organizing a referendum—an issue that has been contentious and a point of contention for the Polisario Front. Additionally, the resolution proposes that the Secretary-General conduct a strategic review of the mission within six months, aiming for a gradual reduction of its military presence and a reconfiguration of its responsibilities.
Another significant aspect of the resolution is the acknowledgment of the necessity for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to register refugees from the Tindouf camps. The document also advocates for sustainable solutions that include the voluntary return of these individuals to their homeland in a secure and dignified manner, in line with international law. However, it is worth noting that Algeria has tied the counting of populations in these camps to a definitive resolution of the Western Sahara conflict.
Political Implications and Reactions
The resolution, set for adoption on October 30, is expected to provoke backlash from both Algeria and the Polisario Front. It encourages consultations with a broad array of Sahrawi interlocutors, including representatives from Western Sahara, the camps, and the diaspora, aiming to ensure inclusivity and credibility in the political process. This move is likely to antagonize the Polisario, which claims to be the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people, as it expands the dialogue to various Sahrawi actors.
Furthermore, the preamble of the draft resolution expresses the Security Council's support for the increasing number of member states that endorse Morocco's autonomy proposal under its sovereignty in Western Sahara. It calls for UN executive members to back the Secretary-General's efforts, through his personal envoy, Staffan de Mistura, to facilitate direct negotiations based on this autonomy proposal, aiming for a fair, durable, and mutually acceptable political solution that guarantees the self-determination of the Sahrawi people.
Although the amendments made do not compromise Morocco's main interests, they have led to the removal of a passage that commended former U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to rejuvenate discussions among the four parties involved in the dispute. Sources close to the matter suggest that both China and Russia played a significant role in pushing for this removal, as well as in reaffirming the central role of the UN and Staffan de Mistura in driving the political process.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
