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

Divided Decision Bolsters Moroccan Position

While the recent vote was split, the resolution represents the most significant endorsement yet for Moroccan proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which additionally enjoys backing from most EU countries and a increasing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Important Components

The resolution refers to Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the document doesn't include a referendum on independence that contains sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the approach traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan authority could constitute a very practical resolution.

Historical Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people native to the disputed territory.

Decision Results and International Responses

The US, which proposed the measure, led eleven nations in voting in support, while 3 nations – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's main supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the measure was an improvement on previous versions, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review

The resolution also renews the United Nations security operation in the territory for an additional year, as has been done for over three decades. Previous renewals, though, have not included a reference to Morocco and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all sides involved to "seize this unique chance for a lasting resolution." Based on progress, it asks the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Area Impact and Present Situation

The change could unsettle a protracted process that for many years has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations security operation that was designed to be temporary. Protests have followed in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have vowed not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

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

Past Context and Current Developments

A 1991 truce was meant to facilitate a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the disputed territory, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. State subsidies keep basic commodity costs affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a road Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since regularly reported security activity, while the government has mostly denied active fighting. The UN calls it "low-level hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not participate in any initiative intending "to validate Morocco's illegal military occupation," saying peace "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side accepted. He encouraged the government to clarify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a lack of development might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be effective."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the United States slashes funding for UN programmes and organizations, including security operations.