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

Split Vote Bolsters Moroccan Position

Although Friday's vote was split, the measure constitutes the strongest support to date for Morocco's plan to maintain control over the region, which additionally enjoys support from most European Union countries and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Measure Structure and Key Components

The document describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to previous resolutions, the text doesn't include a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the approach long favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a most practical solution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the disputed territory.

Decision Patterns and International Responses

The US, which proposed the measure, led 11 nations in deciding in favor, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's primary supporter, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the UN, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, commented that while the measure was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "still has a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Assessment

The measure also renews the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior extensions, though, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all parties involved to "take this unique chance for a lasting resolution." Depending on progress, it asks the secretary general to assess the operation's mandate within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Current Conditions

The shift could unsettle a protracted situation that for many years has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping mission that was designed to be short-term. Protests have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

Morocco controls almost all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow area called the "free zone" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Events

A 1991-era truce was meant to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has developed the disputed region, constructing a deepwater port and a long highway. Government subsidies keep basic commodity costs affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in cities such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a road Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently documented security activity, while the government has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The UN describes it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Future Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not participate in any process intending "to validate Moroccan illegal military occupation," saying resolution "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He encouraged the government to specify what self-rule would entail and warned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain useful."

The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the US reduces financial support for UN programmes and organizations, including peacekeeping.