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The UN Security Council has passed a American-supported resolution that endorses Moroccan claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite fierce opposition from Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Morocco's Position

Although Friday's vote was split, the resolution represents the most significant support yet for Morocco's plan to retain control over the region, which also has backing from the majority of European Union countries and a increasing number of African allies.

Resolution Framework and Key Elements

The document refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for talks. As with previous resolutions, the document makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most feasible solution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastal desert the area of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Decision Patterns and Global Responses

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

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the UN, said the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, commented that while the measure was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Security Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also extends the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the territory for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Previous renewals, however, have not contained a reference to Moroccan and its allies' favored resolution.

The measure urges all parties participating to "seize this unique chance for a enduring peace." Depending on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's mandate within six months.

Area Consequences and Current Situation

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for many years has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping mission that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for independence.

Morocco administers almost all of the territory, excluding a narrow strip known as the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Background and Recent Events

A 1991-era truce was intended to facilitate a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed region, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. State support keep food and energy costs affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a road Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently regularly reported security operations, while the government has mostly denied active fighting. The UN calls it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Prospects

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not join any process intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal military occupation," adding resolution "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the central issue in north African diplomacy. Morocco views support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal no party accepted. He urged the government to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a lack of development might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain effective."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including security operations.