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The UN Security Council has approved a American-supported measure that favors Morocco's position regarding the disputed territory, despite strong opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Morocco's Stance

While the recent vote was divided, the resolution represents the most significant support yet for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which also has support from the majority of EU members and a increasing number of African allies.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The document refers to Moroccan proposal as a foundation for talks. Similar to earlier resolutions, the document doesn't include a vote on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an option, which represents the approach traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Real autonomy under Morocco's authority could represent a most practical resolution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal desert the area of a US state which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The United States, which proposed the measure, led eleven countries in deciding in support, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's main supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the UN, said the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Security Mission and Future Assessment

The measure also renews the United Nations security operation in the territory for an additional year, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Previous extensions, however, have not included a reference to Morocco and its supporters' favored resolution.

The measure calls on all parties involved to "take this unique opportunity for a lasting peace." Depending on progress, it requests the UN leader to review the operation's authority within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Current Conditions

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded resolution, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have pledged not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a narrow area called the "liberated area" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Context and Current Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria blocked it from occurring.

Through time, Morocco has developed the contested territory, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. State subsidies keep food and energy costs affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in 2020 after clashes near a road the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The movement has since regularly reported security operations, while the government has primarily denied active fighting. The UN describes it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not join any process intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal presence," saying resolution "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in north African international relations. Morocco considers support for its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion no party accepted. He urged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain useful."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering security operations.