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UN's top security body has passed a American-supported measure that endorses Moroccan position regarding the contested territory, despite significant resistance from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Moroccan Stance

Although the recent decision was split, the resolution represents the strongest endorsement yet for Moroccan proposal to retain control over the territory, which also has support from the majority of European Union countries and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Structure and Key Components

The document refers to Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. As with previous measures, the document makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that contains independence as an choice, which constitutes the approach traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most feasible resolution.

Background Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the area of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in south-western neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Decision Results and International Responses

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 nations in voting in favor, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the UN, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, commented that while the measure was an improvement on previous versions, it "contains a series of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also extends the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been done for more than thirty years. Previous renewals, however, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its allies' preferred resolution.

The measure calls on all sides participating to "take this unprecedented chance for a enduring resolution." Depending on developments, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Current Conditions

The change could disrupt a protracted process that for many years has escaped resolution, desdespite a UN peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for independence.

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

Historical Context and Current Developments

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

Over the years, Morocco has developed the contested territory, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. State support keep food and energy prices affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a route Morocco was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently frequently reported military operations, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The UN calls it "low-level hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not participate in any initiative intending "to validate Morocco's unauthorized presence," adding peace "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation constitutes the driving force in north African diplomacy. Morocco views support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion no party accepted. He encouraged Morocco to specify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a lack of development might raise questions about the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be useful."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including peacekeeping.