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UN's top security body has passed a US-backed measure that supports Moroccan claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding significant resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance

Although the recent vote was divided, the measure constitutes the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's plan to maintain sovereignty over the region, which also has support from most EU members and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Structure and Important Elements

The document refers to Moroccan proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to previous measures, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that includes independence as an option, which constitutes the solution long favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan authority could represent a most feasible solution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Voting Patterns and International Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the measure, guided eleven nations in voting in support, while three nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's primary benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the UN, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on previous versions, it "still has a number of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Review

The resolution also renews the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Prior renewals, however, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its allies' favored resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all parties involved to "seize this unprecedented chance for a enduring peace." Based on progress, it requests the UN leader to assess the operation's mandate within half a year.

Regional Impact and Present Conditions

The change could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for many years has escaped resolution, desdespite a UN peacekeeping mission that was designed to be temporary. Protests have followed in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

Morocco controls nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin strip known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Context and Recent Developments

A 1991 truce was meant to pave the way for a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed territory, building a deepwater port and a long highway. State support keep basic commodity prices low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a road the government was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has since regularly documented military activity, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN calls it "limited tensions".

International Relations and Future Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative intending "to validate Moroccan illegal military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the driving force in north African international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side accepted. He urged the government to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a absence of progress might question the UN's role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be effective."

The push to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes financial support for UN programmes and organizations, covering security operations.