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UN's top security body has passed a US-backed resolution that endorses Morocco's claim regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding significant opposition from Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Moroccan Position

Although Friday's decision was divided, the resolution constitutes the most significant endorsement to date for Morocco's plan to retain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys backing from most EU members and a growing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Structure and Important Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's plan as a basis for negotiation. Similar to earlier resolutions, the document doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that contains independence as an option, which constitutes the solution long supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a very feasible solution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastal desert the area of a US state which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people native to the contested region.

Decision Results and International Responses

The United States, which proposed the resolution, guided eleven countries in voting in support, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's main supporter, did not participate.

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

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the measure was an improvement on previous iterations, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Assessment

The resolution also extends the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Prior renewals, however, have not included a mention to Morocco and its allies' favored outcome.

The measure urges all parties involved to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it asks the secretary general to assess the operation's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for many years has escaped settlement, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have vowed not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

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

Historical Background and Current Events

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a vote on independence, but fighting over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed territory, constructing a deepwater port and a long highway. Government subsidies keep food and energy costs affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a route the government was paving to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently frequently documented security activity, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN calls it "limited hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to validate Moroccan illegal military occupation," adding peace "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in regional international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what autonomy 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 still be effective."

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