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UN's top security body has adopted a US-backed measure that supports Moroccan position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite strong opposition from Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Morocco's Stance

Although the recent decision was divided, the measure represents the strongest endorsement to date for Morocco's plan to maintain control over the territory, which also has support from most European Union members and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Structure and Important Components

The document describes Morocco's proposal as a basis for talks. As with 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 Front and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Morocco's authority could represent a most feasible solution.

Background Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the disputed territory.

Voting Patterns and Global Responses

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 nations in voting in favor, while three countries – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, Polisario's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on previous versions, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Security Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also renews the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been done for over thirty years. Prior extensions, however, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its supporters' favored outcome.

The measure urges all sides involved to "take this unique chance for a enduring resolution." Based on developments, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's authority within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Current Situation

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled situation that for many years has eluded resolution, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for independence.

Morocco controls almost all of the territory, excluding a thin area known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Context and Recent Events

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to facilitate a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the contested territory, building a maritime facility and a long road. Government subsidies keep food and energy costs low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

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

The movement has subsequently regularly documented military activity, while the government has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations describes it "low-level tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not participate in any process intending "to validate Morocco's illegal military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The situation represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. Morocco views support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He encouraged the government to specify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a absence of development might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain effective."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes funding for UN programmes and organizations, including security operations.