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The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed measure that endorses Moroccan position regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite significant opposition from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Morocco's Stance

Although Friday's decision was divided, the measure constitutes the most significant endorsement to date for Moroccan proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which also has support from the majority of European Union members and a increasing number of African allies.

Resolution Framework and Key Components

The document refers to Moroccan plan as a basis for talks. As with earlier resolutions, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an option, which represents the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's authority could constitute a very practical solution.

Background Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, led eleven nations in deciding in favor, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's main supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's representative to the UN, said that while the measure was an improvement on previous versions, it "still has a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Assessment

The resolution also extends the United Nations security operation in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Previous extensions, however, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its supporters' favored outcome.

The UN resolution urges all parties involved to "seize this unique chance for a enduring peace." Depending on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Impact and Current Conditions

The change could disrupt a protracted process that for many years has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN security mission that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to give up their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of the territory, except for a narrow area known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Background and Recent Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a vote on independence, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, building a maritime facility and a long road. State support keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

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

The movement has since frequently documented security operations, while the government has mostly denied active fighting. The UN describes it "limited tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not participate in any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal presence," saying peace "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The situation represents the driving force in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Last October, the UN representative proposed partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion no party accepted. He encouraged Morocco to specify what autonomy would involve and warned that a lack of development might raise questions about the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain effective."

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