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UN's top security body has approved a US-backed resolution that favors Morocco's claim regarding the contested territory, despite fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Moroccan Position

While Friday's vote was split, the measure represents the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's plan to maintain sovereignty over the region, which additionally has backing from the majority of EU countries and a increasing number of African allies.

Measure Structure and Important Elements

The document refers to Moroccan plan as a basis for negotiation. Similar to earlier resolutions, the text makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains independence as an choice, which constitutes the approach long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's authority could represent a very practical resolution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline arid land the area of a US state which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested territory.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the measure, led eleven nations in voting in favor, while 3 countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's main supporter, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

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

Security Mission and Future Review

The measure also extends the UN security mission in the territory for an additional year, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Previous extensions, though, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored outcome.

The measure urges all sides participating to "take this unprecedented chance for a lasting resolution." Based on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within half a year.

Area Consequences and Current Situation

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled process that for many years has escaped resolution, desdespite a UN security mission that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to give up their fight for independence.

Morocco controls almost all of the territory, excluding a narrow area called the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Context and Current Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed territory, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. Government subsidies keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

The movement ended the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a road the government was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly documented security operations, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "low-level tensions".

International Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not participate in any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," saying resolution "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The situation represents the driving force in regional international relations. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a suggestion neither side accepted. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a absence of development might question the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be effective."

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