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The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed resolution that supports Moroccan claim regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding fierce resistance from Algeria.

Split Vote Bolsters Moroccan Stance

Although Friday's decision was divided, the measure constitutes the most significant endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to retain control over the territory, which also has support from the majority of European Union members and a increasing number of African partners.

Measure Structure and Important Components

The document refers to Moroccan proposal as a foundation for talks. As with previous measures, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an choice, which represents the solution long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's authority could constitute a most feasible resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of a US state which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested region.

Decision Results and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the resolution, guided 11 nations in voting in favor, while three countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the United Nations, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an improvement on previous versions, it "still has a number of shortcomings".

Security Operation and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also renews the UN security operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Previous extensions, though, have not included a reference to Morocco and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all parties involved to "seize this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring peace." Based on progress, it asks the secretary general to review the operation's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The change could unsettle a long-stalled situation that for decades has eluded settlement, desdespite a UN security operation that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, excluding a thin strip known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Background and Current 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.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the contested territory, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. State support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

The movement withdrew from the truce in 2020 after clashes near a road the government was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly documented military activity, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "low-level tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not participate in any process intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized presence," saying resolution "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in north African international relations. The Moroccan government views support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN representative suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal no party accepted. He urged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would involve and warned that a absence of development might question the UN's function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be useful."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, covering peacekeeping.