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UN's top security body has adopted a American-supported measure that favors Moroccan position regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding strong opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Morocco's Position

Although Friday's vote was divided, the measure represents the strongest endorsement to date for Moroccan plan to retain control over the territory, which also has support from most EU countries and a increasing number of African partners.

Measure Structure and Important Elements

The document refers to Morocco's plan as a basis for talks. As with previous resolutions, the text makes no mention of a vote on independence that includes independence as an choice, which constitutes the approach long favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Real autonomy under Moroccan authority could represent a very feasible resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of a US state which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested territory.

Decision Patterns and Global Responses

The US, which sponsored the resolution, guided 11 countries in deciding in favor, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier versions, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been implemented for over three decades. Previous renewals, however, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all sides participating to "seize this unprecedented chance for a lasting resolution." Based on progress, it asks the secretary general to assess the operation's authority within half a year.

Area Impact and Present Situation

The shift could unsettle a protracted process that for decades has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was intended to be temporary. Protests have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where residents have vowed not to give up their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, except for a thin area known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Events

A 1991-era truce was meant to pave the way for a vote on independence, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed territory, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. Government support keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the truce in 2020 after clashes near a route Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The group has since frequently reported security activity, while the government has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "limited tensions".

International Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not join any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized presence," saying resolution "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its international partners.

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

The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the United States slashes financial support for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering security operations.