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UN's top security body has passed a US-backed resolution that endorses Morocco's position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding strong resistance from Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

Although the recent vote was divided, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement yet for Moroccan proposal to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also has support from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African nation allies.

Measure Framework and Important Components

The resolution describes Morocco's proposal as a basis for negotiation. As with earlier resolutions, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the approach traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

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

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastline desert the area of Colorado which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Decision Results and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the resolution, guided 11 countries in deciding in favor, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's main supporter, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an advancement on earlier iterations, it "still has a number of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also extends the UN security operation in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its allies' favored resolution.

The measure urges all sides participating to "take this unprecedented chance for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it asks the secretary general to assess the operation's mandate within six months.

Regional Impact and Present Situation

The shift could unsettle a protracted process that for many years has eluded settlement, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was intended to be temporary. Protests have followed in indigenous settlements in Algeria this week, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of the territory, except for a narrow area called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Historical Background and Current Events

A 1991 truce was intended to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Through time, Morocco has developed the disputed region, constructing a deepwater port and a long road. Government subsidies keep food and energy prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a route Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has subsequently regularly reported security operations, while Morocco has mostly denied open conflict. The United Nations calls it "low-level tensions".

International Relations and Future Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not join any process intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," saying peace "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African international relations. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN representative proposed dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion no party agreed to. He encouraged the government to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a absence of progress might question the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

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