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UN's top security body has approved a US-backed measure that favors Moroccan claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding fierce resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

Although Friday's vote was divided, the measure represents the strongest endorsement to date for Moroccan proposal to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally enjoys support from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African nation partners.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Moroccan plan as a basis for talks. As with previous measures, the document doesn't include a vote on self-determination that includes independence as an option, which represents the approach long favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a most feasible resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal desert the size of a US state which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from refugee camps in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people native to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and International Responses

The US, which proposed the resolution, guided eleven nations in voting in favor, while three countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's main supporter, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the UN, said the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an advancement on earlier versions, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Upcoming Review

The measure also extends the UN security mission in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been done for more than thirty years. Previous renewals, though, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its allies' favored outcome.

The measure calls on all sides involved to "seize this unique chance for a lasting resolution." Depending on progress, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Area Impact and Present Situation

The shift could unsettle a protracted process that for many years has eluded resolution, desdespite a United Nations security operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous settlements in Algeria this recent period, where residents have pledged not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

Morocco administers nearly all of the territory, except for a narrow strip called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Context and Current Developments

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the contested region, building a deepwater port and a long highway. Government subsidies keep food and energy costs low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a road Morocco was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently regularly documented military activity, while the government has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict represents the central issue in north African diplomacy. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what self-rule would entail and warned that a lack of development might raise questions about the United Nations' function 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 reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering peacekeeping.