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The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed resolution that supports Moroccan claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite significant opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Vote Strengthens Moroccan Stance

Although Friday's decision was split, the resolution constitutes the most significant endorsement yet for Moroccan proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which also has backing from the majority of EU members and a increasing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Framework and Important Elements

The document describes Moroccan plan as a basis for talks. Similar to earlier resolutions, the text doesn't include a referendum on independence that contains independence as an option, which constitutes the approach long supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan authority could constitute a very practical solution.

Background Context

The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Decision Patterns and Global Responses

The US, which proposed the resolution, guided eleven nations in voting in support, while three countries – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the UN, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review

The resolution also renews the UN security operation in the territory for an additional year, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Previous renewals, however, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored outcome.

The measure calls on all sides participating to "seize this unprecedented chance for a enduring resolution." Depending on progress, it asks the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Consequences and Current Situation

The change could unsettle a long-stalled process that for decades has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN security operation that was designed to be short-term. Protests have followed in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

Morocco controls almost all of the territory, except for a narrow area called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Context and Recent Developments

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested region, building a deepwater port and a long road. State support keep basic commodity costs affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

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

The movement has subsequently regularly reported security activity, while the government has mostly denied open conflict. The United Nations calls it "limited hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to validate Moroccan illegal presence," saying resolution "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African international relations. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN representative proposed dividing the territory, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what autonomy would involve and warned that a absence of development might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain useful."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the United States slashes financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including security operations.