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

Split Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance

Although the recent decision was split, the measure represents the strongest support to date for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also enjoys backing from the majority of European Union members and a growing number of African nation allies.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The resolution describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. As with earlier resolutions, the document doesn't include a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Real autonomy under Moroccan authority could represent a very practical solution.

Background Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the area of Colorado which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed region.

Voting Patterns and Global Responses

The US, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 countries in voting in support, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a long, long overdue resolution in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's representative to the UN, said that while the measure was an advancement on earlier versions, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review

The resolution also extends the United Nations security mission in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Previous renewals, however, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its supporters' favored resolution.

The measure calls on all parties participating to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring peace." Based on progress, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Present Conditions

The shift could unsettle a protracted situation that for decades has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations security mission that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for independence.

Morocco controls nearly all of Western Sahara, except for a thin area known as the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Background and Current Developments

A 1991-era ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a vote on independence, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the disputed territory, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. State subsidies keep food and energy costs affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

The movement ended the truce in recent years after confrontations near a route Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has since regularly reported military activity, while the government has primarily rejected claims of active fighting. The UN calls it "limited hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Coming Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not join any process intending "to validate Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," saying peace "cannot happen by supporting expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in north African international relations. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what self-rule would entail and warned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be useful."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the US reduces financial support for UN programmes and organizations, including peacekeeping.