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UN's top security body has adopted a US-backed measure that supports Morocco's claim regarding the contested territory, despite significant opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Moroccan Stance

While the recent vote was divided, the measure constitutes the most significant endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to retain control over the region, which additionally has support from most European Union countries and a increasing number of African partners.

Resolution Framework and Important Components

The resolution describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for negotiation. As with earlier resolutions, the text doesn't include a vote on independence that includes sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the approach traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Real self-rule under Morocco's authority could represent a most practical solution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastline arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people indigenous to the contested territory.

Voting Results and International Responses

The United States, which sponsored the measure, led eleven nations in deciding in favor, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed peace in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on previous versions, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also renews the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Previous extensions, however, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The measure urges all parties involved to "take this unique opportunity for a enduring resolution." Depending on progress, it requests the secretary general to review the operation's mandate within half a year.

Area Consequences and Current Conditions

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a thin area known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Background and Recent Developments

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from taking place.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the contested territory, building a deepwater port and a long road. State support keep food and energy costs low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a route Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The group has since frequently documented security activity, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN calls it "low-level hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any process aiming "to validate Moroccan illegal presence," saying resolution "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The situation represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal neither side accepted. He encouraged the government to specify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the UN's role and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be useful."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States slashes financial support for UN programmes and agencies, covering security operations.