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UN's top security body has passed a US-backed resolution that endorses Morocco's claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding strong resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance

While the recent decision was split, the measure constitutes the strongest support yet for Morocco's plan to retain control over the region, which also has support from the majority of European Union members and a growing number of African nation partners.

Measure Structure and Key Components

The document refers to Morocco's plan as a basis for negotiation. Similar to previous resolutions, the text makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes independence as an option, which constitutes the approach long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Real self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a very practical resolution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of a US state which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people indigenous to the contested region.

Decision Results and Global Responses

The US, which proposed the resolution, led eleven countries in voting in favor, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

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

Security Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also renews the United Nations security operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Prior extensions, though, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its allies' favored resolution.

The measure calls on all parties involved to "seize this unique opportunity for a enduring resolution." Depending on progress, it asks the secretary general to assess the operation's authority within six months.

Area Impact and Current Conditions

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of the territory, except for a thin area called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Background and Current Developments

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed territory, constructing a deepwater port and a long highway. State support keep food and energy prices affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

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

The movement has subsequently regularly reported military activity, while the government has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The UN calls it "limited hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized presence," adding resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in north African international relations. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN representative suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side accepted. He encouraged the government to specify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a absence of development might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain useful."

The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the United States reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, covering peacekeeping.