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The UN Security Council has adopted a US-backed resolution that supports Moroccan position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce resistance from Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Morocco's Position

While Friday's decision was divided, the measure represents the most significant support yet for Moroccan proposal to retain control over the region, which also enjoys backing from the majority of European Union members and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Important Elements

The document describes Morocco's proposal as a basis for negotiation. Similar to previous resolutions, the text doesn't include a vote on self-determination that contains independence as an choice, which constitutes the solution traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Morocco's authority could constitute a very practical solution.

Background Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people native to the contested region.

Decision Results and International Responses

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, led eleven countries in deciding in favor, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the UN, said the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed peace in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier versions, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Future Review

The resolution also renews the UN security operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been done for more than three decades. Prior renewals, though, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The measure urges all sides participating to "seize this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting peace." Depending on developments, it requests the UN leader to review the operation's authority within half a year.

Area Consequences and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for decades has eluded settlement, desdespite a UN peacekeeping mission that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of the territory, except for a narrow area known as the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a vote on independence, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Through time, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed region, constructing a maritime facility and a long road. Government support keep basic commodity costs affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a route Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has since regularly reported security operations, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of active fighting. The UN describes it "limited hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not join any initiative aiming "to validate Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. Morocco views support for its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its international partners.

Recently, the UN representative proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side accepted. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a lack of development might raise questions about the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain effective."

The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the United States reduces funding for UN programmes and agencies, including security operations.