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The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed measure that endorses Morocco's position regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding fierce opposition from Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Morocco's Position

Although the recent vote was split, the measure represents the most significant support yet for Moroccan plan to maintain control over the territory, which also has support from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African allies.

Resolution Framework and Key Components

The document refers to Moroccan proposal as a foundation for talks. As with previous resolutions, the text doesn't include a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the solution traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Real autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a most practical solution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal arid land the area of a US state which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Decision Results and Global Reactions

The US, which proposed the measure, guided 11 nations in voting in favor, while 3 countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's main supporter, did not participate.

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

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier versions, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Review

The measure also extends the UN peacekeeping operation in the territory for an additional year, as has been done for over three decades. Previous extensions, though, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The measure calls on all parties involved to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring peace." Depending on developments, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Regional Consequences and Present Conditions

The change could disrupt a protracted situation that for many years has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations security operation that was intended to be short-term. Protests have followed in indigenous settlements in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, except for a thin area known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Historical Context and Current Events

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested territory, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. Government support keep basic commodity prices low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

The movement ended the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a road Morocco was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has since regularly documented security activity, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations describes it "low-level hostilities".

Global Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any process intending "to validate Moroccan illegal presence," saying resolution "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government views support for its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its international partners.

Recently, the UN representative proposed dividing the territory, a proposal no party accepted. He encouraged the government to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and organizations, including peacekeeping.