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UN's top security body has passed a US-backed measure that supports Morocco's claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding fierce resistance from Algeria.

Split Vote Strengthens Moroccan Stance

While the recent vote was split, the resolution constitutes the strongest support to date for Moroccan proposal to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also has backing from most European Union members and a growing number of African nation partners.

Measure Structure and Important Elements

The document describes Morocco's plan as a basis for talks. As with earlier measures, the document makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an option, which represents the approach traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Real self-rule under Moroccan authority could constitute a most practical resolution.

Background Context

The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastal desert the size of Colorado which was under Spanish control 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 claims to represent the indigenous people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Decision Results and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the resolution, guided eleven nations in deciding in support, while three nations – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

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

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Review

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

The UN resolution urges all parties participating to "take this unique chance for a lasting peace." Depending on developments, it asks the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Area Consequences and Current Conditions

The shift could disrupt a protracted process that for decades has escaped settlement, desdespite a United Nations security operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous settlements in Algeria this recent period, where people have vowed not to give up their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of the territory, excluding a thin strip known as the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Context and Recent Events

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed territory, constructing a maritime facility and a long road. State subsidies keep basic commodity prices low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a road the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently documented security activity, while the government has mostly denied open conflict. The United Nations describes it "limited hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Coming Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," saying resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the driving force in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers support for its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He urged the government 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 willingness for us to still be useful."

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