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The UN Security Council has passed a US-backed resolution that supports Moroccan position regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Morocco's Position

While the recent decision was divided, the measure represents the strongest endorsement yet for Moroccan proposal to retain control over the region, which also has backing from most EU countries and a growing number of African nation allies.

Resolution Structure and Key Elements

The document refers to Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the document makes no mention of a vote on independence that includes independence as an choice, which represents the approach long supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a most practical solution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastal arid land the size of a US state which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people native to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and International Responses

The US, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 nations in voting in support, while three countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's main benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the UN, said the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

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

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also extends the United Nations security operation in the territory for another year, as has been done for over thirty years. Prior renewals, though, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its allies' preferred outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all sides involved to "take this unique chance for a lasting resolution." Depending on developments, it asks the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Current Situation

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled situation that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping operation that was designed to be temporary. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have vowed not to give up their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of the territory, except for a narrow area called the "liberated area" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Context and Recent Developments

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed territory, constructing a deepwater port and a long highway. Government support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a route Morocco was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has since regularly reported security operations, while the government has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The UN describes it "limited hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Future Prospects

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not join any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal military occupation," saying resolution "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict represents the driving force in regional international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN representative suggested dividing the territory, a suggestion no party accepted. He urged Morocco to specify what self-rule would entail and warned that a absence of development might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be useful."

The initiative to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including peacekeeping.