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The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed resolution that endorses Morocco's position regarding the disputed territory, despite fierce opposition from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Morocco's Position

While Friday's decision was divided, the resolution represents the strongest support yet for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which also enjoys backing from most European Union countries and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Key Components

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

Real self-rule under Morocco's authority could constitute a most feasible resolution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal desert the size of Colorado which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Voting Patterns and Global Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, led eleven countries in voting in support, while three nations – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, the movement's primary supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the United Nations, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's representative to the United Nations, commented that while the measure was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Future Review

The resolution also extends the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior extensions, however, have not contained a reference to Moroccan and its allies' preferred resolution.

The measure calls on all sides involved to "take this unique opportunity for a lasting resolution." Depending on progress, it asks the secretary general to assess the operation's authority within six months.

Regional Consequences and Current Situation

The change could disrupt a protracted process that for many years has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was intended to be temporary. Protests have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have vowed not to give up their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Historical Background and Recent Developments

A 1991 truce was intended to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed region, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. Government subsidies keep basic commodity costs low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in 2020 after clashes near a road Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has subsequently regularly documented military operations, while Morocco has mostly denied open conflict. The United Nations describes it "low-level hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative aiming "to validate Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," adding peace "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation constitutes the driving force in regional diplomacy. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN representative proposed dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion no party accepted. He encouraged the government to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a absence of progress might question the UN's function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the US reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, covering security operations.