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UN's top security body has approved a US-backed resolution that endorses Morocco's claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite strong opposition from Algeria.

Split Vote Strengthens Moroccan Position

While the recent decision was divided, the measure represents the most significant support yet for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys support from most European Union countries and a increasing number of African nation partners.

Measure Structure and Key Components

The document describes Morocco's proposal as a basis for talks. Similar to previous resolutions, the text doesn't include a vote on self-determination that contains independence as an choice, which constitutes the solution long favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Real self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a very practical solution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal desert the area of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested territory.

Decision Results and International Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 countries in voting in support, while three nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's main supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the UN, said that while the measure was an improvement on previous versions, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Review

The measure also extends the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the territory for another year, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior extensions, though, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its allies' favored outcome.

The UN resolution urges all sides participating to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting resolution." Based on progress, it requests the secretary general to review the operation's mandate within six months.

Regional Impact and Present Conditions

The shift could unsettle a protracted process that for decades has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this week, where residents have pledged not to give up their fight for independence.

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

Historical Background and Current Developments

A 1991-era truce was intended to facilitate a referendum on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the contested region, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. State support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a route the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly documented security operations, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of active fighting. The UN calls it "limited hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not join any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal presence," adding resolution "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a suggestion no party accepted. He urged Morocco to specify what self-rule would entail and warned that a absence of progress might question the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be effective."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the US slashes funding for UN programmes and organizations, covering security operations.