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UN's top security body has passed a American-supported resolution that supports Moroccan claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Morocco's Position

Although Friday's vote was split, the resolution represents the strongest support to date for Moroccan proposal to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally enjoys backing from the majority of European Union countries and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The resolution describes Morocco's proposal as a foundation for talks. Similar to earlier measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on independence that includes sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's authority could represent a very practical solution.

Historical Information

The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed region.

Decision Results and Global Reactions

The US, which proposed the resolution, guided 11 nations in voting in favor, while 3 countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's primary benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the UN, said that while the resolution was an advancement on previous iterations, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Review

The measure also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in the territory for another twelve months, as has been done for more than thirty years. Prior renewals, however, have not included a mention to Morocco and its supporters' favored outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all sides involved to "take this unique opportunity for a enduring peace." Depending on developments, it asks the UN leader to assess the operation's mandate within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Current Conditions

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded settlement, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was designed to be short-term. Protests have followed in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have vowed not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

Morocco administers nearly all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow area known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Historical Background and Recent Developments

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the contested region, building a deepwater port and a long highway. State subsidies keep basic commodity prices 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 clashes near a route the government was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently reported security activity, while Morocco has primarily denied open conflict. The UN describes it "low-level hostilities".

Global Diplomacy and Coming Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," saying resolution "cannot happen by supporting expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side accepted. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a lack of progress might question the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain useful."

The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the US reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including peacekeeping.