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UN's top security body has passed a American-supported resolution that endorses Moroccan claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite strong resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

Although the recent vote was split, the measure represents the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to retain control over the territory, which also has backing from most EU members and a increasing number of African allies.

Resolution Framework and Key Elements

The document describes Moroccan plan as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to previous resolutions, the text doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that includes independence as an option, which represents the approach traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a very feasible resolution.

Historical Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and International Responses

The US, which proposed the measure, led eleven nations in voting in support, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, Polisario's main benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the UN, said the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an improvement on previous iterations, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Upcoming Review

The measure also renews the UN peacekeeping operation in the territory for an additional year, as has been done for more than three decades. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its supporters' favored resolution.

The measure urges all parties participating to "seize this unique chance for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Present Situation

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped resolution, desdespite a UN peacekeeping mission that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow strip known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Historical Background and Current Developments

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed territory, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. Government support keep basic commodity prices low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

The movement ended the truce in 2020 after clashes near a road the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has since frequently documented military activity, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations calls it "low-level tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not participate in any process intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," adding resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in regional international relations. The Moroccan government views support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Last October, the UN representative suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side agreed to. He urged Morocco to specify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a absence of progress might question the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be effective."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the US reduces funding for UN programmes and organizations, including security operations.