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UN's top security body has adopted a US-backed resolution that supports Moroccan claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce resistance from Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Moroccan Stance

Although the recent decision was split, the measure constitutes the most significant support to date for Moroccan plan to maintain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys support from most European Union countries and a increasing number of African allies.

Measure Structure and Important Components

The document refers to Morocco's plan as a basis for talks. Similar to previous measures, the document makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes independence as an choice, which constitutes the approach long supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Real autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a most feasible resolution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people native to the disputed region.

Decision Results and International Responses

The United States, which proposed the measure, guided eleven nations in deciding in support, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, the movement'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 much-delayed resolution in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the UN, said that while the measure was an advancement on earlier versions, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also renews the United Nations security mission in the territory for another year, as has been done for more than thirty years. Previous extensions, though, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The measure calls on all parties involved to "seize this unique chance for a lasting resolution." Based on progress, it requests the UN leader to review the operation's mandate within half a year.

Area Consequences and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations security mission that was designed to be temporary. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of the territory, excluding a thin area called the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Context and Current Developments

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed region, constructing a maritime facility and a long road. Government subsidies keep food and energy costs affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

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

The group has since regularly reported military activity, while Morocco has primarily denied open conflict. The United Nations calls it "limited tensions".

International Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not join any process aiming "to validate Moroccan unauthorized presence," adding resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. Morocco views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN representative suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal no party agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be useful."

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