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The UN Security Council has adopted a US-backed measure that endorses Moroccan claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding strong resistance from Algeria.

Split Decision Bolsters Moroccan Stance

While the recent decision was split, the resolution constitutes the most significant endorsement yet for Moroccan proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which additionally enjoys backing from most EU countries and a increasing number of African partners.

Resolution Framework and Key Components

The resolution describes Moroccan proposal as a basis for talks. As with earlier measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains sovereignty as an option, which represents the approach traditionally favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a very feasible resolution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal arid land the size of a US state which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the measure, led 11 countries in deciding in favor, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's primary supporter, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the UN, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an advancement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also renews the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Previous extensions, however, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The measure calls on all parties participating to "seize this unique opportunity for a enduring resolution." Based on progress, it requests the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Area Impact and Current Conditions

The shift could disrupt a protracted process that for many years has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations security mission that was intended to be short-term. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where residents have pledged not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of Western Sahara, except for a thin area called the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Background and Current Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. Government support keep basic commodity costs low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a route the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly documented security operations, while the government has primarily denied open conflict. The UN calls it "limited tensions".

International Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not participate in any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in north African international relations. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN representative proposed dividing the territory, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged Morocco to specify what self-rule would involve and warned that a lack of progress might question the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain useful."

The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the US reduces funding for UN programmes and organizations, covering peacekeeping.