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UN's top security body has approved a US-backed measure that endorses Morocco's claim regarding the contested territory, despite strong resistance from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Morocco's Position

While Friday's decision was split, the resolution represents the most significant support yet for Moroccan plan to retain sovereignty over the region, which also has backing from most European Union members and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The document describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to previous measures, the text makes no mention of a vote on independence that contains independence as an choice, which represents the approach long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a most practical resolution.

Background Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the disputed region.

Decision Results and International Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, led eleven nations in deciding in favor, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's main supporter, did not vote.

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

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, said that while the resolution was an advancement on previous iterations, it "contains a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Review

The measure also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in the territory for another year, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its allies' favored outcome.

The measure calls on all parties participating to "take this unprecedented chance for a lasting peace." Based on developments, it asks the secretary general to assess the operation's mandate within half a year.

Area Impact and Present Situation

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped settlement, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, except for a narrow strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Context and Recent Events

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed region, constructing a maritime facility and a long highway. State support keep food and energy prices affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

The movement withdrew from the truce in recent years after clashes near a route the government was paving to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently regularly reported security activity, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations calls it "low-level tensions".

International Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not join any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," adding resolution "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

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

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

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