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The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed measure that endorses Morocco's position regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding strong opposition from Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Moroccan Stance

Although the recent decision was split, the measure represents the most significant endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to maintain control over the territory, which also has support from most EU members and a growing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Framework and Important Elements

The resolution refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to previous resolutions, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the solution long favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a most practical resolution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastal arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the indigenous people indigenous to the contested region.

Voting Results and Global Responses

The US, which proposed the measure, led eleven countries in deciding in support, while 3 nations – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary supporter, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the UN, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, said that while the measure was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Assessment

The measure also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in the territory for another year, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Previous extensions, though, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all parties participating to "take this unique chance for a lasting peace." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's authority within half a year.

Regional Impact and Current Conditions

The shift could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for many years has eluded settlement, notwithstanding a UN security mission that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous settlements in Algeria this week, where residents have pledged not to abandon their fight for independence.

Morocco administers almost all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow area known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Context and Current Events

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the contested territory, constructing a maritime facility and a long highway. State subsidies keep food and energy costs low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

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

The group has subsequently regularly reported military operations, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations calls it "low-level tensions".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not participate in any initiative intending "to validate Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," adding peace "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism".

The situation constitutes the central issue in regional international relations. Morocco views support for its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side accepted. He encouraged the government to specify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a absence of progress might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be useful."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including peacekeeping.