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UN's top security body has adopted a US-backed resolution that supports Moroccan position regarding the contested Western Sahara, notwithstanding significant opposition from Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

While the recent vote was divided, the resolution represents the most significant endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally enjoys support from most EU members and a growing number of African nation partners.

Measure Framework and Key Components

The resolution refers to Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. As with previous measures, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the approach traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most feasible resolution.

Historical Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people indigenous to the contested territory.

Decision Results and Global Responses

The United States, which proposed the resolution, guided 11 countries in deciding in favor, while 3 nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's main supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the UN, said the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a long, long overdue resolution in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the United Nations, commented that while the measure was an advancement on previous iterations, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Upcoming Review

The resolution also renews the UN peacekeeping mission in the territory for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for over three decades. Previous renewals, though, have not contained a reference to Moroccan and its allies' favored outcome.

The measure calls on all sides involved to "seize this unprecedented chance for a enduring resolution." Based on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's authority within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Current Conditions

The change could unsettle a protracted process that for many years has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping mission that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, 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 strip called the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Background and Recent Developments

A 1991-era truce was meant to facilitate a vote on independence, but fighting over voter eligibility blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the contested region, constructing a deepwater port and a long road. Government support keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in 2020 after clashes near a route the government was paving to Mauritania.

The group has since frequently reported military activity, while the government has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations calls it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not participate in any process intending "to validate Morocco's unauthorized presence," adding peace "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in north African international relations. Morocco considers endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion no party agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to specify what self-rule would involve and warned that a lack of development might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain useful."

The push to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes funding for UN programmes and organizations, covering security operations.