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UN's top security body has passed a American-supported resolution that supports Morocco's position regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite strong resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance

While Friday's decision was divided, the measure constitutes the strongest endorsement yet for Moroccan plan to maintain control over the territory, which also has support from most EU members and a growing number of African partners.

Resolution Structure and Important Components

The document refers to Morocco's proposal as a basis for negotiation. As with previous resolutions, the document doesn't include a vote on self-determination that contains independence as an option, which constitutes the solution long supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a most feasible solution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Decision Results and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the measure, led 11 nations in voting in favor, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier versions, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also renews the UN security mission in the territory for an additional year, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its allies' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution urges all parties participating to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring resolution." Depending on developments, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within half a year.

Area Impact and Current Situation

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations security operation that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to abandon their fight for independence.

Morocco administers almost all of the territory, excluding a thin strip known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Context and Recent Developments

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed region, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. Government subsidies keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a road Morocco was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since regularly reported security operations, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations describes it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," saying resolution "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict represents the central issue in regional diplomacy. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested partitioning the territory, a suggestion no party agreed to. He encouraged the government to specify what self-rule would involve and warned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the UN's function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be effective."

The push to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the US reduces financial support for UN programmes and agencies, including security operations.