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The UN Security Council has passed a American-supported measure that supports Moroccan position regarding the contested Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce resistance from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Moroccan Stance

While the recent vote was divided, the resolution constitutes the most significant endorsement to date for Morocco's proposal to maintain control over the region, which also has backing from most European Union members and a growing number of African allies.

Resolution Framework and Key Components

The resolution describes Moroccan proposal as a foundation for negotiation. As with earlier measures, the text makes no mention of a vote on independence that includes independence as an option, which represents the approach traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a most feasible solution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastline arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the disputed territory.

Decision Patterns and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the resolution, guided 11 countries in deciding in favor, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's main supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the UN, said the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the UN, said that while the measure was an advancement on earlier iterations, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Security Operation and Upcoming Review

The resolution also renews the UN peacekeeping mission in the territory for another year, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored resolution.

The measure urges all parties involved to "seize this unprecedented chance for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within half a year.

Area Impact and Current Conditions

The change could unsettle a protracted process that for many years has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow area called the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Background and Recent Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was meant to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Through time, Morocco has developed the contested territory, constructing a deepwater port and a long road. State subsidies keep food and energy prices affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in 2020 after clashes near a route Morocco was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently frequently reported security operations, while the government has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The UN describes it "low-level tensions".

International Diplomacy and Coming Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not join any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," adding peace "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. Morocco considers support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal no party accepted. He urged the government to specify what autonomy would entail and warned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the UN's role and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain useful."

The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the US slashes financial support for UN programmes and organizations, covering peacekeeping.