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UN's top security body has adopted a US-backed resolution that favors Morocco's claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding strong opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Vote Strengthens Moroccan Position

While the recent vote was divided, the measure constitutes the strongest endorsement to date for Morocco's plan to retain control over the territory, which also enjoys support from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Framework and Important Elements

The document describes Moroccan proposal as a basis for negotiation. As with previous resolutions, the text doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that contains independence as an option, which constitutes the approach traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a very practical resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastline arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and Global Reactions

The United States, which proposed the resolution, led eleven nations in voting in favor, while 3 countries – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, the movement's main supporter, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's representative to the UN, said that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier versions, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Assessment

The resolution also renews the UN security mission in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Previous extensions, however, have not included a reference to Morocco and its supporters' favored resolution.

The measure urges all sides involved to "seize this unique opportunity for a enduring peace." Depending on progress, it requests the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Area Consequences and Present Conditions

The change could disrupt a protracted process that for decades has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations security mission that was intended to be temporary. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for independence.

Morocco administers almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin strip known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Historical Background and Recent Developments

A 1991-era ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, building a maritime facility and a long highway. State support keep food and energy costs low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the truce in 2020 after clashes near a route the government was paving to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently frequently reported security operations, while the government has mostly rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations describes it "low-level hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," saying resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism".

The situation constitutes the driving force in regional international relations. Morocco considers support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing Western Sahara, a proposal neither side accepted. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces funding for UN programmes and organizations, including peacekeeping.