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UN's top security body has approved a American-supported resolution that endorses Morocco's claim regarding the contested territory, despite significant resistance from Algeria.

Split Vote Strengthens Morocco's Position

While the recent decision was split, the resolution constitutes the most significant endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally enjoys backing from most EU members and a growing number of African allies.

Measure Framework and Important Components

The document refers to Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. As with previous measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains independence as an option, which constitutes the solution traditionally favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a most feasible solution.

Historical Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline arid land the size of a US state which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people native to the disputed territory.

Voting Patterns and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 nations in voting in favor, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, the movement's primary benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the UN, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

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

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Assessment

The resolution also extends the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been done for more than three decades. Prior extensions, however, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all parties involved to "seize this unprecedented chance for a lasting peace." Depending on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations security operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for independence.

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

Past Background and Recent Events

A 1991 truce was meant to pave the way for a vote on independence, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

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 grown significantly as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a route Morocco was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has since regularly documented military activity, while the government has mostly denied active fighting. The UN calls it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Future Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not participate in any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," adding resolution "cannot happen by supporting expansionism".

The conflict represents the central issue in north African diplomacy. Morocco considers support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN representative proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion no party accepted. He urged Morocco to specify what self-rule would entail and warned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the United States slashes financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including peacekeeping.