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The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed resolution that favors Morocco's claim regarding the disputed territory, despite strong resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Split Vote Bolsters Morocco's Stance

While Friday's decision was split, the measure constitutes the most significant endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to maintain control over the territory, which also enjoys support from the majority of European Union members and a increasing number of African allies.

Measure Structure and Important Components

The document describes Moroccan proposal as a basis for negotiation. Similar to previous resolutions, the text makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the approach long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Real autonomy under Moroccan authority could constitute a very feasible solution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal desert the size of a US state which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people native to the disputed territory.

Decision Patterns and Global Reactions

The United States, which proposed the resolution, led eleven countries in voting in favor, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's primary supporter, did not participate.

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

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, said that while the measure was an advancement on earlier iterations, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Upcoming Review

The resolution also extends the UN security operation in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been done for more than thirty years. Prior extensions, however, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The measure urges all sides participating to "take this unique chance for a enduring resolution." Depending on developments, it requests the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's mandate within half a year.

Area Impact and Current Situation

The change could unsettle a protracted situation that for decades has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping operation that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where people have vowed not to give up their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of the territory, except for a thin area known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Events

A 1991 truce was intended to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested region, building a maritime facility and a long road. Government subsidies keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

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

The movement has subsequently regularly documented military activity, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of active fighting. The UN calls it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not participate in any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," saying resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict represents the central issue in north African international relations. Morocco considers support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal neither side accepted. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a absence of progress might question the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain effective."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and organizations, including security operations.