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UN's top security body has passed a American-supported resolution that favors Moroccan claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite strong opposition from Algeria.

Split Vote Bolsters Moroccan Position

While Friday's decision was divided, the resolution represents the strongest support to date for Morocco's proposal to maintain control over the region, which also enjoys backing from most EU countries and a growing number of African allies.

Measure Framework and Key Components

The resolution describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to earlier measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the approach traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Moroccan authority could represent a most practical resolution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastal arid land the area of Colorado which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Decision Results and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the resolution, guided eleven countries in deciding in support, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, the movement's main supporter, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the UN, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the measure was an advancement on previous iterations, it "still has a number of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also extends the UN security mission in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior extensions, however, have not included a reference to Morocco and its allies' favored outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all parties involved to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring resolution." Depending on developments, it asks the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Present Conditions

The change could unsettle a protracted process that for decades has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations security operation that was intended to be short-term. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where residents have vowed not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a narrow area known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Background and Recent Events

A 1991 truce was intended to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested territory, building a deepwater port and a long highway. State support keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in cities such as major settlements.

The movement ended the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a road the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently documented security activity, while the government has mostly rejected claims of active fighting. The UN describes it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Future Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not participate in any process aiming "to validate Moroccan illegal presence," saying resolution "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in regional international relations. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested dividing Western Sahara, a proposal neither side agreed to. He urged Morocco to specify what autonomy would entail and warned that a lack of progress might question the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be useful."

The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the US reduces financial support for UN programmes and organizations, including peacekeeping.