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UN's top security body has approved a US-backed resolution that supports Morocco's position regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding significant resistance from Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Morocco's Stance

While the recent vote was split, the resolution constitutes the most significant endorsement to date for Morocco's proposal to retain control over the territory, which also enjoys backing from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African allies.

Resolution Structure and Key Components

The document refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for talks. As with previous resolutions, the text doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the approach traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a very feasible solution.

Historical Information

The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline desert the area of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which operates from refugee camps in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the disputed territory.

Voting Patterns and International Reactions

The US, which proposed the resolution, guided eleven countries in voting in favor, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the UN, said the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier iterations, it "contains a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also extends the United Nations security operation in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been done for more than thirty years. Previous renewals, though, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored resolution.

The UN resolution urges all parties participating to "seize this unprecedented chance for a lasting resolution." Depending on developments, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within half a year.

Area Consequences and Present Situation

The shift could unsettle a protracted situation that for many years has escaped resolution, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was designed to be short-term. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have pledged not to give up their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of the territory, excluding a narrow area called the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Context and Recent Events

A 1991 truce was intended to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested territory, constructing a maritime facility and a long highway. Government support keep food and energy prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

The movement withdrew from the truce in recent years after confrontations near a road the government was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly reported military operations, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations describes it "limited tensions".

International Relations and Future Prospects

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not join any process intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved 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 international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side agreed to. He urged Morocco to specify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a absence of progress might question the UN's function and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be useful."

The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the US reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including security operations.