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UN's top security body has approved a US-backed measure that supports Moroccan claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, notwithstanding significant resistance from Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Moroccan Position

While Friday's vote was split, the measure represents the strongest support yet for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which additionally enjoys backing from most European Union members and a increasing number of African allies.

Measure Structure and Key Components

The resolution refers to Moroccan proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to previous measures, the text makes no mention of a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an option, which represents the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Real autonomy under Moroccan authority could constitute a most practical resolution.

Historical Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal desert the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people native to the contested region.

Voting Results and International Responses

The US, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 countries in deciding in support, while 3 nations – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, Polisario's primary supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations, said the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a long, long overdue resolution in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier versions, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Security Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Prior extensions, though, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution urges all sides participating to "seize this unique chance for a lasting resolution." Based on progress, it asks the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The change could unsettle a protracted process that for decades has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping mission that was intended to be short-term. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of the territory, excluding a thin strip called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Background and Current Events

A 1991-era truce was meant to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Through time, Morocco has developed the disputed region, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. Government subsidies keep basic commodity costs low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

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

The movement has subsequently regularly reported military operations, while the government has primarily denied active fighting. The UN describes it "low-level tensions".

Global Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not join any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," saying peace "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN representative proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal neither side agreed to. He urged the government to specify what self-rule would involve and warned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the UN's function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the United States slashes funding for UN programmes and organizations, covering peacekeeping.