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The UN Security Council has passed a US-backed measure that supports Moroccan claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite fierce opposition from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Moroccan Stance

While the recent decision was split, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement to date for Moroccan proposal to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally enjoys backing from most European Union countries and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for talks. As with earlier resolutions, the document doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most feasible solution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline arid land the area of a US state which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed region.

Decision Patterns and International Responses

The United States, which proposed the measure, guided 11 countries in voting in favor, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

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

Security Mission and Future Review

The resolution also renews the UN security mission in the territory for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution urges all sides involved to "seize this unique opportunity for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it requests the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Consequences and Current Conditions

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN security mission that was designed to be temporary. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for independence.

Morocco controls nearly all of the territory, except for a thin area called the "free zone" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

A 1991-era truce was intended to facilitate a vote on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed territory, building a maritime facility and a long road. Government support keep basic commodity costs affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

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

The movement has subsequently regularly documented security activity, while the government has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations calls it "limited tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not participate in any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal presence," saying peace "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict represents the driving force in regional diplomacy. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN representative proposed partitioning the territory, a suggestion no party agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to specify what self-rule would entail and warned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including security operations.