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UN's top security body has passed a US-backed measure that supports Morocco's claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce resistance from Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Moroccan Position

Although the recent decision was divided, the resolution represents the most significant endorsement to date for Moroccan proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which additionally enjoys backing from the majority of EU countries and a growing number of African allies.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's proposal as a basis for negotiation. Similar to previous measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the solution traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a very feasible solution.

Background Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline arid land the area of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people native to the contested territory.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the resolution, led eleven nations in voting in support, while 3 nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's main supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the UN, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, said that while the resolution was an advancement on previous versions, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Security Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also extends the United Nations security mission in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been implemented for over three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all sides involved to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting peace." Depending on progress, it asks the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's mandate within half a year.

Area Consequences and Present Situation

The shift could unsettle a protracted process that for decades has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was designed to be temporary. Protests have followed in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this week, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for independence.

Morocco controls almost all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow strip known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Context and Current Events

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

Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed region, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. Government subsidies keep food and energy costs low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a route Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently reported security operations, while Morocco has primarily denied open conflict. The United Nations describes it "low-level tensions".

International Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to validate Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," adding resolution "cannot happen by supporting expansionism".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African international relations. Morocco considers endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Last October, the UN representative proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion no party agreed to. He urged the government to specify what self-rule would involve and warned that a lack of development might question the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be effective."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the United States slashes funding for UN programmes and agencies, covering security operations.