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UN's top security body has passed a US-backed measure that endorses Morocco's position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Bolsters Moroccan Stance

Although the recent decision was divided, the resolution constitutes the most significant support yet for Morocco's plan to retain sovereignty over the region, which additionally enjoys support from the majority of European Union countries and a growing number of African nation partners.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The document describes Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to earlier resolutions, the text doesn't include a vote on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the solution traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's authority could constitute a most practical solution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline arid land the area of a US state which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Decision Patterns and Global Responses

The United States, which proposed the measure, guided 11 nations in voting in favor, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's primary benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the UN, commented that while the measure was an advancement on earlier versions, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Previous renewals, though, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its allies' preferred resolution.

The measure urges all parties participating to "seize this unprecedented chance for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it asks the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for decades has eluded resolution, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where residents have vowed not to abandon their struggle for independence.

Morocco administers almost all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow strip known as the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Context and Current Developments

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested region, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. Government support keep food and energy costs affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a route Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently documented military activity, while Morocco has mostly denied active fighting. The United Nations calls it "low-level tensions".

International Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not join any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal presence," adding peace "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation constitutes the central issue in north African international relations. Morocco considers endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain effective."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes financial support for UN programmes and organizations, including peacekeeping.