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UN's top security body has adopted a US-backed measure that favors Morocco's claim regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding fierce resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance

While Friday's decision was split, the measure constitutes the strongest endorsement yet for Moroccan plan to retain control over the territory, which additionally has support from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Key Components

The resolution describes Morocco's plan as a basis for talks. As with previous resolutions, the document makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains independence as an choice, which constitutes the approach traditionally favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a most practical solution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastal arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Voting Patterns and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the resolution, led eleven countries in voting in favor, while 3 countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's primary benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the UN, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, said that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier iterations, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Security Mission and Future Review

The resolution also extends the UN security operation in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been implemented for over three decades. Previous renewals, though, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its supporters' favored outcome.

The measure urges all sides participating to "take this unique opportunity for a lasting resolution." Based on developments, it requests the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Area Impact and Current Situation

The change could unsettle a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this week, where residents have vowed not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

Morocco administers nearly all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Background and Recent Events

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but fighting over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested region, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. Government support keep food and energy costs low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in cities such as major settlements.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a road Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently reported security operations, while the government has mostly rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations calls it "low-level hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not join any process intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," adding resolution "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The situation constitutes the central issue in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government views support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal neither side agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a lack of progress might question the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

The push to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the US reduces funding for UN programmes and organizations, including security operations.