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UN's top security body has approved a American-supported resolution that favors Morocco's position regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding strong opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Vote Bolsters Moroccan Stance

Although the recent vote was split, the measure represents the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys support from most EU members and a growing number of African allies.

Resolution Framework and Important Components

The resolution refers to Moroccan proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the document doesn't include a referendum on independence that includes sovereignty as an choice, which represents the solution long favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a most practical resolution.

Background Information

The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline arid land the area of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people native to the contested region.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The US, which proposed the resolution, guided 11 countries in deciding in favor, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's primary supporter, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the United Nations, said the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, said that while the resolution was an improvement on previous iterations, it "still has a number of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also extends the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been done for over three decades. Prior extensions, however, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its allies' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all sides involved to "seize this unprecedented chance for a lasting resolution." Based on progress, it asks the secretary general to assess the operation's mandate within six months.

Area Impact and Present Conditions

The change could unsettle a protracted situation that for decades has escaped resolution, desdespite a UN security mission that was designed to be short-term. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have vowed not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of the territory, except for a narrow strip known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Context and Current Developments

A 1991-era truce was intended to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria blocked it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the disputed territory, building a maritime facility and a long highway. Government subsidies keep basic commodity costs affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a route the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has since regularly reported security activity, while the government has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The UN calls it "low-level tensions".

Global Relations and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not participate in any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal military occupation," adding peace "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The situation represents the central issue in regional international relations. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a proposal neither side agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to specify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a absence of development might question the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces funding for UN programmes and organizations, covering peacekeeping.