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The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed measure that endorses Morocco's claim regarding the disputed territory, despite significant opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Morocco's Position

Although Friday's decision was split, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement yet for Moroccan plan to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally enjoys backing from the majority of EU countries and a growing number of African nation allies.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the document doesn't include a vote on self-determination that contains independence as an option, which represents the solution traditionally favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Real self-rule under Morocco's authority could constitute a most feasible solution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline desert the area of a US state which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people indigenous to the contested region.

Decision Results and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the measure, led eleven nations in voting in favor, while 3 countries – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, Polisario's main supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, commented that while the measure was an advancement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also renews the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been done for more than three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its allies' favored resolution.

The measure calls on all parties involved to "take this unique opportunity for a enduring resolution." Depending on developments, it asks the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a UN security operation that was designed to be short-term. Protests have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where residents have pledged not to abandon their fight for independence.

Morocco administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a thin strip called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Historical Context and Current Developments

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

Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed region, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. Government support keep food and energy costs affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in cities such as major settlements.

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

The group has since regularly documented military activity, while Morocco has mostly denied open conflict. The UN calls it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not join any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal presence," saying resolution "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in north African international relations. Morocco considers support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would entail and warned that a absence of development might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain useful."

The initiative to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering peacekeeping.