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UN's top security body has passed a US-backed measure that endorses Moroccan position regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding significant opposition from Algeria.

Split Vote Bolsters Morocco's Position

While the recent decision was divided, the measure represents the most significant endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which also has backing from most EU members and a growing number of African allies.

Measure Structure and Important Components

The document describes Moroccan plan as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to previous resolutions, the text doesn't include a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the approach traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Morocco's authority could represent a very feasible resolution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastal desert the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Decision Patterns and International Responses

The US, which proposed the resolution, guided eleven countries in deciding in favor, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier iterations, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Upcoming Review

The resolution also renews the UN peacekeeping operation in the territory for another year, as has been done for over three decades. Prior extensions, however, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored resolution.

The UN resolution urges all parties involved to "seize this unique opportunity for a lasting peace." Depending on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's mandate within six months.

Area Consequences and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a protracted process that for decades has escaped settlement, desdespite a UN peacekeeping mission that was designed to be short-term. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for independence.

Morocco controls nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow strip called the "liberated area" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Context and Recent Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to facilitate a referendum on independence, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Through time, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed region, constructing a deepwater port and a long highway. Government support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a route the government was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently documented security operations, while Morocco has mostly denied open conflict. The UN describes it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not join any initiative aiming "to validate Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," adding peace "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the central issue in north African international relations. The Moroccan government views support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a suggestion neither side accepted. He encouraged the government to clarify what self-rule would involve and warned that a absence of development might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain effective."

The push to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including security operations.