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UN's top security body has approved a American-supported measure that supports Morocco's position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding significant resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Morocco's Stance

While the recent vote was split, the measure represents the most significant endorsement to date for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also has support from most European Union members and a growing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Structure and Important Elements

The resolution describes Moroccan plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to earlier measures, the text doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a very feasible solution.

Background Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline desert the area of a US state which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people native to the disputed territory.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The US, which proposed the measure, guided 11 nations in voting in support, while 3 nations – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, the movement's primary supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the United Nations, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Review

The resolution also renews the UN security mission in the territory for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for over three decades. Previous extensions, however, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its allies' favored resolution.

The UN resolution urges all parties involved to "take this unique opportunity for a lasting peace." Based on developments, it requests the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Consequences and Present Situation

The change could unsettle a protracted process that for decades has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN peacekeeping operation that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have pledged not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin area called the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

A 1991 truce was meant to facilitate a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the disputed territory, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. Government subsidies keep food and energy costs low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a road the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently documented military operations, while the government has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations calls it "low-level tensions".

Global Relations and Future Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not join any process intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal presence," saying peace "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the driving force in north African international relations. Morocco views support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN representative suggested dividing Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a lack of development might question the UN's function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain effective."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the United States reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and organizations, including security operations.