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The UN Security Council has adopted a US-backed resolution that endorses Morocco's claim regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding fierce resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Split Vote Bolsters Moroccan Stance

Although Friday's vote was split, the resolution represents the most significant support to date for Moroccan plan to retain control over the territory, which additionally enjoys support from the majority of European Union members and a growing number of African nation partners.

Measure Framework and Important Elements

The resolution refers to Moroccan proposal as a basis for negotiation. As with earlier resolutions, the text makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an choice, which represents the approach traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a very practical resolution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal desert the area of a US state 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 southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people native to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and International Reactions

The US, which sponsored the measure, led 11 nations in deciding in favor, while 3 countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's primary benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the UN, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed peace in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on previous versions, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Security Mission and Upcoming Review

The measure also extends the United Nations security mission in the territory for an additional year, as has been done for over thirty years. Previous renewals, though, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored outcome.

The measure urges all parties participating to "seize this unique opportunity for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it asks the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Area Consequences and Current Conditions

The change could disrupt a protracted situation that for decades has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous settlements in Algeria this week, where residents have vowed not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

Morocco controls nearly all of the territory, excluding a thin strip known as the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Context and Recent Events

A 1991-era truce was meant to facilitate a vote on independence, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Through time, Morocco has developed the disputed territory, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. Government subsidies keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a road Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has since regularly documented military operations, while the government has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations describes it "low-level tensions".

International Diplomacy and Coming Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not join any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," saying peace "cannot happen by supporting expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in regional international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN representative proposed dividing the territory, a suggestion no party agreed to. He urged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a absence of development might raise questions about the UN's role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be useful."

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