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

Divided Vote Strengthens Morocco's Position

While Friday's vote was split, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement to date for Moroccan plan to retain control over the region, which additionally enjoys backing from most EU members and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Measure Structure and Important Elements

The document refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to previous resolutions, the text makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an choice, which represents the approach traditionally favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a very practical resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline desert the area of a US state which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people native to the contested territory.

Voting Results and International Reactions

The US, which proposed the resolution, guided 11 nations in deciding in support, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Security Operation and Future Assessment

The resolution also renews the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for over three decades. Previous renewals, though, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all parties participating to "take this unprecedented chance for a enduring peace." Based on progress, it asks the UN leader to review the operation's authority within half a year.

Area Consequences and Current Situation

The shift could disrupt a protracted situation that for many years has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to give up their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, except for a thin area known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Events

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Through time, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested territory, constructing a maritime facility and a long highway. Government support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a route Morocco was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently documented security operations, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Future Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not join any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," adding resolution "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The situation constitutes the central issue in north African international relations. The Moroccan government considers support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN representative proposed dividing the territory, a proposal no party agreed to. He encouraged the government to clarify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a absence of progress might question 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 United States reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including security operations.