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UN's top security body has passed a American-supported measure that endorses Moroccan claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite fierce resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Morocco's Stance

Although the recent vote was split, the resolution represents the strongest endorsement to date for Morocco's plan to maintain control over the territory, which also has backing from the majority of European Union countries and a growing number of African nation allies.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's plan as a basis for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the document makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that contains independence as an choice, which represents the solution traditionally favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

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

Background Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the area of Colorado which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people native to the disputed region.

Decision Results and International Responses

The US, which sponsored the measure, led eleven countries in deciding in favor, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's primary benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier versions, it "contains a series of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Future Assessment

The measure also extends the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not included a mention to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The measure calls on all parties participating to "take this unique opportunity for a enduring resolution." Based on developments, it asks the secretary general to assess the operation's mandate within six months.

Area Consequences and Current Conditions

The change could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for decades has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN peacekeeping operation that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

Morocco administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a thin strip called the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Context and Current Developments

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed territory, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. Government support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in 2020 after clashes near a route the government was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently documented military operations, while Morocco has mostly denied open conflict. The UN describes it "low-level tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Future Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not join any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal military occupation," adding peace "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The situation constitutes the driving force in regional diplomacy. Morocco views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a proposal neither side agreed to. He encouraged the government to clarify what self-rule would involve and warned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be useful."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the United States reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including security operations.