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UN's top security body has adopted a US-backed resolution that endorses Morocco's claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite strong resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Bolsters Moroccan Position

While Friday's vote was divided, the resolution represents the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's plan to maintain control over the region, which also has backing from most EU members and a growing number of African nation partners.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the text doesn't include a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the solution traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Real autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most practical solution.

Background Information

The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastline arid land the area of a US state which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people native to the contested territory.

Decision Results and International Responses

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 nations in deciding in support, while three nations – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, the movement's primary benefactor, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed peace in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review

The resolution also renews the United Nations security operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Previous extensions, though, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution urges all parties participating to "seize this unprecedented chance for a enduring resolution." Depending on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Area Impact and Current Situation

The change could disrupt a protracted situation that for decades has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this week, where residents have pledged not to abandon their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a narrow strip known as the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Background and Current Developments

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested territory, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile road. State subsidies keep food and energy costs affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a road the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently documented military operations, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations calls it "limited tensions".

International Diplomacy and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, the movement said that it would not participate in any process aiming "to validate Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," adding peace "cannot happen by supporting expansionism".

The situation represents the central issue in regional diplomacy. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion no party accepted. He encouraged Morocco to specify what self-rule would involve and warned that a lack of development might question the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the US slashes financial support for UN programmes and agencies, covering peacekeeping.