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

Divided Decision Strengthens Morocco's Position

Although Friday's vote was split, the measure represents the most significant endorsement to date for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which also has support from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African allies.

Resolution Framework and Important Elements

The resolution describes Moroccan proposal as a basis for negotiation. As with earlier resolutions, the document doesn't include a referendum on independence that includes independence as an choice, which constitutes the approach long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Moroccan authority could constitute a very feasible resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and Global Reactions

The United States, which proposed the measure, led 11 countries in voting in favor, while three nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, commented that while the measure was an improvement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Assessment

The resolution also renews the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior extensions, though, have not contained a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all parties participating to "seize this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting resolution." Based on progress, it requests the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Area Consequences and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a protracted process that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping mission that was designed to be short-term. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to abandon their fight for independence.

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

Historical Context and Recent Events

A 1991-era truce was intended to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the contested territory, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. State subsidies keep basic commodity costs low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in recent years after confrontations near a road Morocco was constructing to Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently documented military activity, while the government has primarily denied open conflict. The United Nations describes it "low-level tensions".

Global Relations and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal military occupation," adding resolution "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict represents the central issue in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion no party accepted. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would involve and warned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the UN's function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain useful."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the US slashes financial support for UN programmes and organizations, covering security operations.