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UN's top security body has approved a US-backed resolution that favors Morocco's position regarding the contested territory, despite significant resistance from Algeria.

Split Vote Bolsters Morocco's Stance

Although Friday's vote was split, the measure represents the strongest support yet for Morocco's plan to maintain control over the territory, which also enjoys backing from the majority of European Union countries and a increasing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The document refers to Moroccan proposal as a basis for talks. As with earlier measures, the document doesn't include a referendum on independence that includes sovereignty as an option, which represents the solution traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan authority could constitute a most practical solution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline 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 movement, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people native to the disputed region.

Decision Results and Global Responses

The United States, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 nations in deciding in support, while three nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's main supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the UN, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a long, long overdue resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, said that while the resolution was an improvement on previous versions, it "still has a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Review

The resolution also renews the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been done for more than thirty years. Previous extensions, though, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The measure urges all parties participating to "seize this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting resolution." Depending on progress, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Area Impact and Present Conditions

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for decades has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN security operation that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

Morocco administers almost all of the territory, excluding a narrow area known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Context and Current Events

A 1991-era truce was intended to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the contested territory, constructing a maritime facility and a long highway. Government support keep basic commodity prices low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

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

The group has since regularly documented security operations, while the government has mostly denied active fighting. The UN describes it "low-level hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Coming Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to validate Moroccan illegal presence," saying resolution "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict represents the central issue in north African diplomacy. Morocco considers support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would entail and warned 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 reassess the UN operation comes as the US slashes funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, covering security operations.