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The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed measure that supports Morocco's position regarding the disputed territory, despite strong resistance from Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance

Although Friday's decision was divided, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement yet for Moroccan proposal to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally has backing from the majority of EU countries and a growing number of African partners.

Resolution Framework and Important Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's plan as a foundation for negotiation. As with earlier measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a most practical solution.

Background Context

The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal desert the area of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Voting Results and International Reactions

The US, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 nations in deciding in support, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's primary supporter, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the UN, said the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the UN, said that while the measure was an improvement on previous versions, it "contains a series of shortcomings".

Security Operation and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also renews the UN peacekeeping mission in the territory for another year, as has been implemented for over three decades. Previous renewals, however, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The measure urges all sides participating to "seize this unique chance for a enduring peace." Based on progress, it asks the secretary general to review the operation's mandate within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Current Situation

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled process that for decades has eluded settlement, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was intended to be temporary. Protests have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow area known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Context and Current Developments

A 1991 truce was intended to facilitate a vote on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from occurring.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested territory, constructing a deepwater port and a long road. State subsidies keep food and energy prices affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

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

The movement has since frequently reported military activity, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative intending "to validate Moroccan illegal presence," adding resolution "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The situation constitutes the central issue in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government views support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side accepted. He encouraged the government to specify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a lack of development might question the UN's function and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain useful."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the United States reduces funding for UN programmes and agencies, including peacekeeping.