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

Divided Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

Although Friday's decision was split, the resolution constitutes the most significant support yet for Morocco's plan to retain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys support from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African nation allies.

Measure Structure and Important Components

The document describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to previous measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains independence as an choice, which constitutes the approach long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's authority could represent a most practical solution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area 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 refugee camps in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Decision Patterns and Global Responses

The United States, which proposed the resolution, led eleven countries in deciding in support, while 3 nations – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, Polisario's primary supporter, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an advancement on previous versions, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Security Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also renews the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the territory for another twelve months, as has been done for more than thirty years. Previous renewals, though, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

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 authority within half a year.

Area Consequences and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded settlement, desdespite a United Nations security mission that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous settlements in Algeria this recent period, where people have vowed not to abandon their fight for independence.

Morocco administers almost all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow area known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Context and Current Developments

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. State support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in recent years after clashes near a route the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly reported military operations, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN describes it "low-level tensions".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative aiming "to validate Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism".

The situation constitutes the central issue in regional diplomacy. Morocco views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN representative proposed dividing the territory, a proposal no party accepted. He encouraged the government to clarify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a lack of development might raise questions about the UN's role and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be useful."

The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the US reduces funding for UN programmes and agencies, including security operations.