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UN's top security body has passed a US-backed measure that favors Morocco's position regarding the contested territory, despite strong opposition from Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Moroccan Stance

Although the recent decision was divided, the resolution represents the most significant endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally enjoys backing from most EU members and a growing number of African nation allies.

Measure Framework and Important Components

The document describes Moroccan proposal as a foundation for talks. As with earlier measures, the text doesn't include a referendum on independence that contains independence as an choice, which represents the approach traditionally favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a most practical resolution.

Background Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal arid land the area of a US state which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested territory.

Voting Results and International Responses

The United States, which proposed the measure, led eleven nations in voting in favor, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, the movement's main supporter, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the UN, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

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

Security Mission and Future Assessment

The resolution also extends the UN security mission in Western Sahara for another year, as has been done for over three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its allies' preferred resolution.

The measure urges all sides participating to "seize this unprecedented chance for a lasting peace." Depending on progress, it requests the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Present Situation

The change could unsettle a protracted process that for decades has escaped settlement, desdespite a United Nations security mission that was intended to be temporary. Protests have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for independence.

Morocco controls almost all of the territory, excluding a narrow strip known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Background and Recent Developments

A 1991-era ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a vote on independence, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the contested territory, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. State subsidies keep food and energy prices affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a route Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The group has since regularly documented security operations, while the government has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "limited hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not participate in any process intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal military occupation," saying resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict represents the central issue in north African international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN representative proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a lack of development might question the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain useful."

The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the United States reduces funding for UN programmes and organizations, covering peacekeeping.