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The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed resolution that supports Morocco's position regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding fierce resistance from Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Morocco's Stance

Although the recent vote was divided, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's plan to retain sovereignty over the region, which also has backing from most EU countries and a growing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Framework and Key Elements

The document refers to Morocco's plan as a basis for talks. Similar to earlier resolutions, the document makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains independence as an option, which represents the approach long favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most practical solution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and asserts to represent the indigenous people indigenous to the disputed region.

Voting Results and International Reactions

The US, which proposed the measure, guided eleven nations in voting in favor, while three nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's main supporter, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the UN, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, commented that while the measure was an improvement on earlier versions, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Review

The measure also extends the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior renewals, however, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored outcome.

The measure calls on all parties involved to "seize this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring resolution." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Regional Impact and Current Conditions

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN security mission that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous settlements in Algeria this week, where people have vowed not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, except for a narrow strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Context and Current Developments

A 1991 truce was meant to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed territory, building a maritime facility and a long highway. Government support keep food and energy costs affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in recent years after confrontations near a road the government was paving to Mauritania.

The group has since regularly documented security activity, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN calls it "low-level tensions".

Global Relations and Coming Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized presence," saying resolution "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in north African international relations. The Moroccan government considers support for its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its international partners.

Recently, the UN representative suggested dividing the territory, a suggestion neither side accepted. He urged the government to specify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a lack of progress might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain effective."

The initiative to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the US reduces funding for UN programmes and organizations, covering peacekeeping.