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The UN Security Council has adopted a US-backed measure that endorses Morocco's position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite fierce resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

Although the recent decision was divided, the measure represents the most significant support to date for Moroccan proposal to retain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally has backing from most European Union members and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Resolution Structure and Key Components

The document describes Morocco's plan as a basis for negotiation. Similar to previous resolutions, the text makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an option, which represents the approach long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most feasible resolution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastal arid land the area of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people native to the disputed territory.

Decision Patterns and International Responses

The United States, which proposed the resolution, led 11 nations in voting in support, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the UN, said the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, said that while the resolution was an advancement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Future Review

The resolution also extends the UN security operation in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Previous extensions, however, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored outcome.

The UN resolution urges all parties involved to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting peace." Depending on developments, it asks the secretary general to review the operation's authority within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Current Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations security operation that was intended to be short-term. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in Algeria this week, where residents have vowed not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, excluding a narrow strip known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Context and Recent Events

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

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the contested territory, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. Government subsidies keep food and energy costs affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a road the government was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly documented military operations, while the government has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations describes it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not join any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," saying resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

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

Recently, the UN representative suggested partitioning the territory, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to specify what self-rule would entail and warned that a absence of progress might question the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain useful."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the US reduces funding for UN programmes and agencies, covering peacekeeping.