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

Split Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance

While the recent decision was divided, the resolution represents the most significant support to date for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also has support from most European Union countries and a increasing number of African allies.

Resolution Framework and Key Components

The document refers to Morocco's plan as a basis for negotiation. As with earlier measures, the text doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most practical solution.

Background Information

The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastal desert the size of a US state which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people native to the contested region.

Voting Results and International Reactions

The US, which proposed the resolution, led eleven nations in voting in support, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, the movement's primary supporter, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the UN, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

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

Security Mission and Future Review

The measure also extends the UN security operation in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Previous extensions, however, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its allies' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution urges all parties participating to "seize this unique chance for a enduring peace." Depending on developments, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Consequences and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a protracted situation that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN security operation that was intended to be temporary. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have vowed not to abandon their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a narrow area called the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Context and Current Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to facilitate a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested territory, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. Government support keep basic commodity costs affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a road the government was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has subsequently regularly reported military activity, while the government has mostly denied active fighting. The UN calls it "low-level hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Prospects

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal presence," adding peace "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in regional international relations. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, 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 function and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be useful."

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