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UN's top security body has adopted a American-supported measure that endorses Moroccan position regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding strong opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Bolsters Moroccan Stance

Although Friday's vote was split, the measure constitutes the strongest support yet for Moroccan plan to maintain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys support from most EU countries and a growing number of African allies.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for negotiation. As with previous resolutions, the text makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an option, which represents the solution traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most practical resolution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal desert the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested territory.

Decision Patterns and International Responses

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, guided 11 nations in voting in favor, while three nations – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier versions, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Security Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also extends the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been done for over three decades. Prior extensions, though, have not included a mention to Morocco and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution urges all parties involved to "seize this unique chance for a enduring resolution." Depending on developments, it asks the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for decades has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations security mission that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to give up their fight for self-determination.

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

Historical Background and Current Events

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

Through time, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed territory, constructing a maritime facility and a long highway. State support keep food and energy costs low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a route the government was constructing to Mauritania.

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

International Relations and Future Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not participate in any initiative intending "to validate Morocco's illegal military occupation," saying resolution "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict represents the driving force in regional diplomacy. Morocco views support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed partitioning the territory, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a lack of development might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain effective."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes funding for UN programmes and agencies, including security operations.