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

Split Decision Bolsters Morocco's Stance

Although the recent decision was divided, the resolution represents the most significant support to date for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which additionally enjoys backing from the majority of European Union countries and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Resolution Framework and Important Components

The document describes Morocco's proposal as a foundation for talks. As with earlier resolutions, the document doesn't include a vote on self-determination that contains independence as an choice, which constitutes the solution long favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a very practical resolution.

Historical Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastal arid land the size of a US state which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Decision Patterns and Global Responses

The United States, which proposed the resolution, guided eleven nations in voting in favor, while 3 nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, commented that while the measure was an advancement on earlier versions, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Security Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also extends the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been implemented for over three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not included a reference to Morocco and its allies' preferred outcome.

The UN resolution urges all sides participating to "take this unique opportunity for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Present Situation

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped settlement, desdespite a UN security mission that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this week, where residents have vowed not to give up their fight for independence.

Morocco administers almost all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow area known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the contested region, building a deepwater port and a long highway. State support keep food and energy costs low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in 2020 after clashes near a route Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently frequently documented security operations, while the government has primarily denied active fighting. The UN describes it "low-level tensions".

Global Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not join any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal presence," saying peace "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in regional diplomacy. Morocco considers endorsement of its proposal 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 encouraged Morocco to specify what self-rule would entail and warned that a absence of progress might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain useful."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the US reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering security operations.