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The UN Security Council has passed a American-supported measure that supports Morocco's claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding significant opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Bolsters Morocco's Stance

Although the recent vote was divided, the resolution constitutes the most significant support to date for Morocco's plan to retain control over the territory, which additionally enjoys backing from most EU countries and a increasing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Important Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's proposal as a basis for talks. As with previous measures, the document makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes independence as an choice, which represents the approach long favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

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

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastal desert the size of a US state which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the indigenous people native to the disputed region.

Decision Results and Global Responses

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 nations in deciding in favor, while three countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's main supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the UN, said the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the measure was an improvement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review

The resolution also extends the United Nations security mission in the territory for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for over three decades. Prior extensions, however, have not included a reference to Morocco and its allies' favored resolution.

The measure urges all sides involved to "take this unique opportunity for a lasting peace." Depending on progress, it asks the secretary general to review the operation's authority within six months.

Area Consequences and Present Situation

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled process that for many years has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations security mission that was intended to be temporary. Protests have followed in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this week, where residents have vowed not to abandon their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow strip known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Context and Current Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was meant to facilitate a referendum on independence, but disagreements over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the contested territory, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. Government subsidies keep basic commodity costs low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

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

The group has since regularly documented military activity, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "low-level hostilities".

Global Diplomacy and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not join any process intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal presence," adding peace "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict represents the central issue in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN representative proposed dividing the territory, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He urged Morocco to specify what self-rule would entail and warned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the UN's role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be useful."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes financial support for United Nations initiatives and organizations, including security operations.