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The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed measure that endorses Moroccan position regarding the contested territory, despite strong opposition from Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance

While Friday's vote was split, the resolution represents the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's plan to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which also has support from the majority of EU countries and a growing number of African nation allies.

Measure Structure and Key Components

The document describes Morocco's proposal as a foundation for talks. As with earlier resolutions, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains independence as an option, which constitutes the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Morocco's authority could represent a most feasible resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastal arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed region.

Voting Results and International Reactions

The US, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 nations in voting in favor, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's representative to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Security Operation and Future Review

The measure also extends the UN security operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been done for more than three decades. Prior extensions, though, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored resolution.

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

Regional Impact and Current Conditions

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for decades has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a UN security mission that was designed to be short-term. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have vowed not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

Morocco administers nearly all of the territory, except for a thin strip called the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Historical Context and Current Developments

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

Through time, Morocco has transformed the contested territory, building a maritime facility and a long highway. State subsidies keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in recent years after confrontations near a route the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently documented security operations, while the government has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The UN calls it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not participate in any process intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal military occupation," adding peace "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the central issue in north African diplomacy. Morocco views support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN representative proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal no party accepted. He urged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a lack of progress might question the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be useful."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the United States reduces funding for UN programmes and agencies, including security operations.