UN supports Western Sahara autonomy plan, Morocco celebrates victory nationwide
Under the initiative of the United States, the Security Council passed a resolution with 11 votes in favor, 0 against, and 3 abstentions (Algeria refused to participate in voting), supporting the 2007 Western Sahara autonomy plan proposed by Rabat.
On Friday evening, thousands of Moroccan citizens celebrated the UN Security Council's vote in favor of Morocco's Western Sahara autonomy plan. For half a century, Morocco has been competing with the Polisario Front, an independence faction supported by Algeria, over this territory.
The UN Security Council approved Morocco's Western Sahara autonomy plan on Friday, calling it the "most feasible" solution to resolving this disputed territory issue.
For half a century, Morocco has been contesting sovereignty over the region with the Polisario Front, an independence faction supported by Algeria.
In the capital city of Rabat, Morocco, crowds danced to songs sung loudly, "Sahara belongs to Morocco, since ancient times," with the sound of national anthem and other patriotic songs alternating.
King Mohammed VI called the Security Council's decision "a historic shift," and his speech was broadcast in an open-air setting.
Sana, 40 years old, smiled as she told AFP reporters, "We feel extremely proud, this is our country, our cause." Her two daughters stood beside her.
Red balloons floated from the balconies, people took photos and clapped, while drivers continuously honked their horns.
Just a few steps away, a 15-year-old girl named Sheiba held a flag, wearing clothes in the red and green colors of the national flag, proudly declared, "Morocco has fought for fifty years, this is a victory!"
Fireworks
Until 1975, the Western Sahara region was a Spanish colony, currently mostly controlled by Morocco, but the United Nations still considers it a non-self-governing territory. There is a conflict between the Rabat government and the Polisario Front, an independence faction supported by Algiers, in the disputed area.
Previously, the Security Council had urged Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania to resume negotiations, which had been interrupted since 2019, to achieve a "feasible, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution."
However, under the initiative of the United States, the Security Council passed a resolution with 11 votes in favor, 0 against, and 3 abstentions (Algeria refused to participate in voting), supporting the 2007 proposal by Rabat: granting autonomy to this vast desert area rich in phosphate and fish resources under Moroccan sovereignty.
In the city of Smara in the disputed area, according to a journalist cooperating with AFP, residents immediately set off fireworks after the voting results were announced, dancing in the streets to the rhythm of folk music.
Many residents took to the streets to celebrate the news, and local government officials, including the provincial governor, were present. To add to the festive atmosphere, Moroccan carpets were laid out at the scene.
The northern city of Tangier also exuded the same festive atmosphere, with local media live broadcasts showing people dancing to the sound of horns.
Source: rfi
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847667453402124/
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