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The UN Security Council has approved a American-supported resolution that endorses Moroccan claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding strong opposition from Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

While the recent decision was divided, the resolution represents the strongest support yet for Moroccan proposal to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which also has backing from most EU members and a increasing number of African allies.

Measure Framework and Key Components

The resolution describes Moroccan proposal as a basis for talks. As with earlier resolutions, the text doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the approach long supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's authority could represent a very feasible solution.

Background Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested territory.

Decision Patterns and International Reactions

The US, which sponsored the measure, led eleven nations in deciding in favor, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the United Nations, said the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, said that while the resolution was an improvement on previous versions, it "still has a number of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review

The resolution also renews the UN security operation in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been done for more than three decades. Previous renewals, however, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored outcome.

The UN resolution urges all parties participating to "seize this unique opportunity for a enduring resolution." Based on progress, it requests the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Area Consequences and Current Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for many years has escaped settlement, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was intended to be temporary. Protests have followed in indigenous settlements in Algeria this recent period, where residents have vowed not to abandon their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of the territory, excluding a narrow area known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Background and Current Events

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the contested territory, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. Government support keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the truce in 2020 after clashes near a road Morocco was constructing to Mauritania.

The movement has since regularly reported security activity, while Morocco has primarily denied open conflict. The UN describes it "low-level tensions".

International Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not join any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized presence," adding resolution "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The situation constitutes the central issue in regional international relations. Morocco considers endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN representative suggested partitioning the territory, a suggestion neither side accepted. He encouraged Morocco to specify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the UN's function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain effective."

The push to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces funding for UN programmes and organizations, including security operations.