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UN's top security body has passed a US-backed measure that favors Morocco's claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, notwithstanding strong opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Vote Strengthens Morocco's Position

While the recent decision was split, the measure represents the strongest support to date for Morocco's plan to maintain control over the territory, which also enjoys backing from most EU countries and a growing number of African nation allies.

Measure Framework and Important Components

The document describes Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to previous resolutions, the text doesn't include a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the approach traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a very feasible solution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastal desert the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people indigenous to the disputed region.

Decision Results and International Reactions

The US, which proposed the measure, led 11 nations in voting in support, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, Polisario's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the UN, said the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

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

Security Operation and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also extends the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the territory for an additional year, as has been implemented for over three decades. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its allies' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all parties involved to "seize this unique chance for a enduring peace." Depending on developments, it requests the UN leader to assess the operation's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Current Conditions

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a UN security operation that was intended to be short-term. Protests have followed in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this recent period, where residents have vowed not to give up their struggle for independence.

Morocco controls nearly all of the territory, except for a narrow area called the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Background and Current Events

A 1991 truce was meant to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has developed the disputed region, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. Government support keep food and energy costs affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a road the government was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly reported military operations, while the government has mostly denied open conflict. The United Nations calls it "low-level tensions".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal military occupation," adding peace "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the driving force in regional international relations. Morocco views support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He urged Morocco to specify what self-rule would involve and warned that a lack of development might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain useful."

The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the United States slashes financial support for UN programmes and organizations, covering security operations.