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UN's top security body has passed a American-supported measure that supports Morocco's claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Moroccan Position

While the recent vote was split, the measure constitutes the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's plan to retain sovereignty over the region, which additionally enjoys support from most European Union members and a growing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Structure and Key Components

The document refers to Morocco's proposal as a basis for negotiation. Similar to previous resolutions, the text doesn't include a referendum on independence that contains independence as an choice, which represents the solution long supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's authority could represent a most feasible resolution.

Historical Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal arid land the area of a US state which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Decision Results and Global Responses

The United States, which proposed the measure, led 11 nations in deciding in favor, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's representative to the UN, said that while the resolution was an improvement on previous iterations, it "contains a series of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also extends the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another year, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Previous extensions, though, have not contained a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution urges all parties involved to "seize this unique chance for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it asks the UN leader to assess the operation's authority within six months.

Area Impact and Current Situation

The change could unsettle a long-stalled situation that for decades has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a UN security mission that was intended to be short-term. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have vowed not to abandon their fight for independence.

Morocco controls almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin strip known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Context and Recent Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the contested region, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. State subsidies keep food and energy costs affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

The movement ended the truce in 2020 after clashes near a route the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has since frequently documented security activity, while the government has mostly rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations calls it "low-level tensions".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not join any initiative aiming "to validate Moroccan illegal military occupation," adding resolution "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the central issue in regional diplomacy. Morocco considers support for its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its allies.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a proposal no party agreed to. He encouraged the government to specify what self-rule would entail and warned that a lack of development might question the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain useful."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the US reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including peacekeeping.