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The UN Security Council has passed a US-backed measure that favors Moroccan claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding fierce opposition from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Moroccan Position

While Friday's decision was split, the resolution constitutes the most significant support yet for Morocco's proposal to retain control over the region, which also enjoys backing from the majority of EU countries and a growing number of African allies.

Resolution Framework and Key Components

The resolution refers to Morocco's proposal as a basis for negotiation. Similar to previous measures, the document doesn't include a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the approach long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a very feasible resolution.

Background Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline arid land the area of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the disputed region.

Decision Results and Global Responses

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

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the UN, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed peace in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on previous iterations, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Review

The measure also renews the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Prior extensions, however, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its allies' preferred outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all sides involved to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting resolution." Based on progress, it asks the UN leader to review the operation's authority within six months.

Area Impact and Present Conditions

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded resolution, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to give up their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, except for a thin strip known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Background and Recent Developments

A 1991 truce was meant to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, constructing a maritime facility and a long road. State subsidies keep basic commodity costs affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a road Morocco was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly reported military operations, while the government has primarily denied open conflict. The United Nations calls it "limited hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not participate in any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN representative proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal neither side accepted. He encouraged Morocco to specify what self-rule would involve and warned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces financial support for UN programmes and organizations, including security operations.