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The UN Security Council has passed a US-backed resolution that favors Morocco's claim regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding fierce resistance from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Morocco's Stance

Although the recent vote was split, the measure constitutes the strongest support yet for Morocco's proposal to maintain control over the territory, which also has backing from the majority of EU members and a increasing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Framework and Key Components

The resolution describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to earlier measures, the document makes no mention of a vote on independence that includes independence as an option, which represents the solution long supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

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

Background Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and Global Responses

The US, which sponsored the measure, led eleven countries in voting in support, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an improvement on earlier versions, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Future Review

The resolution also renews the UN security mission in the territory for an additional year, as has been done for over thirty years. Prior renewals, however, have not included a mention to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The measure calls on all parties participating to "take this unprecedented chance for a lasting resolution." Depending on developments, it asks the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Regional Impact and Present Conditions

The shift could unsettle a protracted process that for many years has escaped resolution, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was designed to be temporary. Protests have followed in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to give up their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, excluding a thin strip called the "liberated area" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

A 1991 truce was intended to pave the way for a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the contested region, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. State support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a road the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly documented military activity, while the government has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The UN calls it "limited hostilities".

Global Diplomacy and Future Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not participate in any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," adding peace "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The situation constitutes the driving force in regional international relations. Morocco considers support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing the territory, a proposal neither side agreed to. He encouraged the government to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a lack of progress might question the UN's role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be effective."

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