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UN's top security body has passed a US-backed resolution that supports Morocco's position regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Bolsters Moroccan Position

Although Friday's decision was divided, the measure represents the most significant endorsement to date for Moroccan proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which also has backing from the majority of EU countries and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Resolution Framework and Key Elements

The document describes Moroccan proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the document makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an choice, which represents the solution long favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a most practical resolution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline arid land the area of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government 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 region.

Decision Results and International Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 countries in voting in support, while 3 countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's main supporter, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the United Nations, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the UN, commented that while the measure was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Future Assessment

The resolution also extends the United Nations security operation in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior extensions, though, have not included a reference to Morocco and its allies' favored outcome.

The measure calls on all parties involved to "seize this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring resolution." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's authority within half a year.

Area Impact and Present Conditions

The shift could disrupt a protracted situation that for decades has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping mission that was intended to be short-term. Protests have followed in indigenous settlements in Algeria this recent period, where residents have pledged not to give up their fight for self-determination.

Morocco controls nearly all of the territory, except for a thin strip known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Context and Current Developments

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the contested region, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. Government subsidies keep basic commodity costs low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

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

The group has since frequently documented security operations, while the government has primarily denied open conflict. The United Nations calls it "limited tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," adding resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict represents the central issue in north African international relations. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN representative suggested partitioning the territory, a suggestion no party agreed to. He urged Morocco to specify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a lack of development might question the UN's role and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain useful."

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