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The UN Security Council has passed a US-backed measure that endorses Moroccan position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding significant resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Bolsters Morocco's Position

While Friday's decision was divided, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement yet for Moroccan proposal to retain control over the territory, which also has backing from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African allies.

Measure Framework and Key Components

The document refers to Morocco's plan as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to previous measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes independence as an option, which represents the solution traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a very practical solution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Voting Results and Global Responses

The US, which proposed the measure, led 11 countries in voting in support, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US ambassador to the UN, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the UN, said that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier versions, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Assessment

The resolution also extends the United Nations security mission in the territory for another year, as has been done for more than three decades. Prior renewals, though, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its allies' preferred resolution.

The measure calls on all parties participating to "seize this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting resolution." Based on developments, it requests the secretary general to review the operation's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The change could unsettle a protracted process that for many years has escaped resolution, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was designed to be temporary. Protests have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

Morocco controls almost all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow strip known as the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Background and Recent Events

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the contested region, building a deepwater port and a long road. State subsidies keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a road Morocco was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly reported military activity, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN describes it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Future Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not join any process intending "to validate Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," saying peace "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The situation represents the central issue in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion no party accepted. He encouraged the government to specify what autonomy would entail and warned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the United States slashes financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including security operations.