UN Resolution: A Path to Peace in Western Sahara

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution advocating for Western Sahara's autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as a plausible solution to its conflict with the Polisario Front. The resolution ignites hope for regional peace, although Algeria and the Polisario front oppose Morocco-linked resolutions.

On Friday, the United Nations Security Council approved a resolution promoting genuine autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty, suggesting this may be the best resolution to the long-standing conflict with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.

Morocco treats Western Sahara as its domain, while the Polisario Front seeks an independent nation. The UN resolution, driven by the United States, pushes both parties to resume negotiations, leveraging Morocco's 2007 autonomy plan. The resolution also extends the UN peacekeeping presence in the region for an additional year.

Algeria and the Polisario Front voiced objections, with Algeria's U.N. Ambassador Amar Bendjama criticizing the resolution for dismissing Polisario's proposals. While most council members supported it, Algeria abstained, questioning its legitimacy and insisting the region's future lies with its residents.

(With inputs from agencies.)