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UN's top security body has approved a US-backed resolution that favors Moroccan claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding strong resistance from Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

Although Friday's decision was divided, the measure represents the strongest support to date for Morocco's plan to retain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys backing from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African nation partners.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The document refers to Moroccan proposal as a basis for talks. Similar to previous measures, the text makes no mention of a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the solution traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

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

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastal desert the area of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people indigenous to the contested territory.

Voting Results and International Responses

The United States, which proposed the measure, led 11 nations in deciding in support, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the UN, said that while the resolution was an advancement on previous versions, it "still has a series of shortcomings".

Security Operation and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also renews the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been implemented for over three decades. Prior extensions, though, have not included a mention to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The UN resolution urges all parties involved to "take this unique chance for a lasting peace." Depending on progress, it requests the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Area Impact and Current Situation

The shift could unsettle a protracted process that for many years has escaped resolution, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was intended to be short-term. Protests have followed in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have pledged not to abandon their fight for independence.

Morocco controls almost all of the territory, except for a narrow strip called the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Context and Recent Developments

A 1991 truce was meant to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed territory, constructing a maritime facility and a long highway. State subsidies keep basic commodity costs affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

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

The movement has subsequently regularly documented military operations, while the government has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations calls it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not join any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," saying peace "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed partitioning the territory, a suggestion no party accepted. He urged Morocco to specify what autonomy would involve and warned that a lack of progress might question the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain useful."

The push to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the US reduces funding for UN programmes and agencies, including peacekeeping.