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The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed measure that endorses Morocco's claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce resistance from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Morocco's Stance

While Friday's vote was split, the measure represents the most significant support to date for Moroccan proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which also has backing from the majority of European Union countries and a increasing number of African partners.

Measure Structure and Important Elements

The resolution refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to previous resolutions, the document doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the solution traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Real autonomy under Moroccan authority could represent a very practical solution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline arid land the area of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and International Reactions

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 nations in deciding in favor, while 3 nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's main supporter, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the UN, said the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed peace in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on previous versions, it "still has a number of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Assessment

The measure also renews the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another year, as has been done for more than three decades. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its supporters' favored outcome.

The measure calls on all parties participating to "take this unique opportunity for a enduring peace." Based on developments, it asks the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Present Situation

The change could unsettle a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped resolution, desdespite a UN security operation that was designed to be temporary. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this week, where residents have vowed not to give up their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin area known as the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Background and Recent Developments

A 1991-era ceasefire was meant to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the contested territory, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. Government support keep food and energy costs affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario ended the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a road Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently reported military activity, while the government has mostly denied open conflict. The United Nations describes it "limited tensions".

Global Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any process intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," adding resolution "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The conflict represents the central issue in regional international relations. Morocco views support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it gauges its allies.

Last October, the UN representative suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He encouraged the government to specify what self-rule would entail and warned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain useful."

The initiative to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the United States slashes funding for United Nations initiatives and organizations, including security operations.