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UN's top security body has approved a US-backed resolution that favors Morocco's claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, notwithstanding significant resistance from Algeria.

Split Vote Bolsters Moroccan Stance

Although the recent vote was divided, the resolution constitutes the strongest support to date for Moroccan plan to maintain control over the region, which also enjoys support from most EU members and a increasing number of African partners.

Resolution Structure and Important Elements

The document refers to Moroccan plan as a basis for negotiation. Similar to earlier resolutions, the text makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes independence as an option, which constitutes the approach long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a most feasible solution.

Background Context

The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline desert the area of a US state which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people native to the disputed territory.

Voting Patterns and International Reactions

The United States, which proposed the measure, guided 11 nations in voting in favor, while three countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the UN, said the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

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

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Assessment

The resolution also renews the United Nations security mission in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Previous renewals, though, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its allies' preferred outcome.

The measure urges all parties involved to "take this unique chance for a enduring peace." Depending on developments, it asks the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Consequences and Current Conditions

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping mission that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

Morocco controls nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow strip called the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Historical Background and Recent Developments

A 1991-era truce was meant to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria blocked it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed region, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. Government support keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the truce in recent years after confrontations near a route the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The movement has since regularly reported security operations, while Morocco has mostly denied active fighting. The United Nations calls it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," saying peace "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government views support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal neither side accepted. He encouraged Morocco to specify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a absence of progress might question the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the US reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering peacekeeping.