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The UN Security Council has adopted a US-backed measure that favors Moroccan claim regarding the disputed territory, despite significant opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Vote Strengthens Morocco's Stance

While the recent vote was split, the resolution represents the strongest support yet for Moroccan proposal to retain control over the territory, which additionally enjoys support from most EU countries and a growing number of African partners.

Resolution Structure and Important Components

The document describes Morocco's proposal as a basis for talks. Similar to earlier measures, the document makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a very practical solution.

Historical Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastal arid land the area of a US state 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 Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Decision Results and Global Responses

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, guided eleven countries in deciding in support, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations, said the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier versions, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been implemented for over three decades. Prior extensions, though, have not included a mention to Morocco and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all sides involved to "seize this unique chance for a lasting resolution." Based on developments, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's mandate 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 designed to be temporary. Protests have followed in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this week, where residents have vowed not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

Morocco administers almost all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow strip called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Context and Current Events

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to facilitate a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. State support keep basic commodity prices low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

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

The movement has since regularly reported security operations, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "low-level hostilities".

Global Relations and Future Prospects

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to validate Moroccan unauthorized presence," adding peace "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The situation represents the driving force in regional diplomacy. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN representative suggested dividing Western Sahara, a proposal no party accepted. He urged the government to specify what autonomy would involve and warned that a absence of progress might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be effective."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes funding for United Nations initiatives and organizations, including security operations.