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

Divided Decision Bolsters Morocco's Position

Although the recent decision was split, the measure constitutes the strongest support yet for Moroccan proposal to retain control over the region, which additionally enjoys support from the majority of European Union countries and a growing number of African partners.

Resolution Structure and Key Elements

The document refers to Morocco's proposal as a foundation for talks. Similar to previous measures, the document makes no mention of a vote on independence that contains independence as an choice, which constitutes the approach long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Real self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a very feasible resolution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people native to the disputed territory.

Voting Results and Global Responses

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided eleven countries in voting in support, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's main supporter, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the UN, said the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, commented that while the measure was an advancement on previous versions, it "still has a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also extends the UN security mission in Western Sahara for another year, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior renewals, however, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its allies' favored outcome.

The measure calls on all sides involved to "seize this unprecedented chance for a lasting resolution." Based on developments, it requests the UN leader to review the operation's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a protracted process that for many years has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where residents have pledged not to abandon their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Background and Recent Events

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to facilitate a vote on independence, but disagreements over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the contested territory, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. Government subsidies keep food and energy costs affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

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

The movement has subsequently frequently reported security operations, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN describes it "limited tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not join any initiative intending "to validate Morocco's unauthorized presence," adding resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African international relations. The Moroccan government views support for its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN representative proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal neither side agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be effective."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces funding for UN programmes and organizations, covering peacekeeping.