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UN's top security body has approved a US-backed measure that supports Moroccan position regarding the disputed territory, despite strong resistance from Algeria.

Split Vote Strengthens Morocco's Stance

Although Friday's decision was split, the resolution represents the strongest endorsement yet for Moroccan proposal to maintain control over the region, which also enjoys support from the majority of European Union members and a increasing number of African partners.

Resolution Structure and Important Components

The document describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to previous measures, the text doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an option, which represents the solution long supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Real self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a very practical resolution.

Background Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal desert the area of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The United States, which proposed the resolution, led eleven nations in voting in support, while three countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the UN, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a long, long overdue resolution in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the UN, said that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier versions, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Review

The resolution also renews the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been done for over three decades. Prior renewals, though, have not included a reference to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The measure urges all sides involved to "seize this unique chance for a lasting resolution." Depending on developments, it requests the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Area Consequences and Present Situation

The change could unsettle a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded settlement, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

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

Past Background and Recent Events

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Through time, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed region, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. Government subsidies keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario ended the truce in 2020 after clashes near a road the government was paving to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently frequently documented military operations, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "limited hostilities".

Global Diplomacy and Future Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not participate in any process aiming "to validate Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," saying resolution "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict represents the central issue in north African international relations. Morocco views support for its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing the territory, a suggestion neither side accepted. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would involve and warned that a absence of development might question the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be useful."

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