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The UN Security Council has adopted a US-backed resolution that endorses Morocco's claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite strong resistance from Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Morocco's Stance

Although Friday's vote was split, the measure constitutes the strongest support yet for Morocco's plan to retain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys support from most EU members and a growing number of African allies.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. As with previous measures, the text makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution long favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Real autonomy under Moroccan authority could represent a most practical resolution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal desert the area of a US state which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the disputed region.

Decision Patterns and Global Reactions

The United States, which proposed the resolution, guided 11 countries in deciding in support, while three countries – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the UN, said the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue resolution in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier iterations, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review

The measure also extends the UN security operation in the territory for another twelve months, as has been done for over three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not included a mention to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all sides involved to "seize this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring resolution." Based on progress, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Area Impact and Present Situation

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

Morocco administers almost all of the territory, excluding a thin area called the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Context and Current Developments

A 1991-era truce was intended to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed territory, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. State support keep basic commodity costs low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

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

The group has since frequently reported military activity, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations calls it "limited hostilities".

Global Relations and Coming Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any process aiming "to validate Moroccan illegal military occupation," saying peace "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN representative suggested dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion no party accepted. He encouraged the government to clarify what self-rule would entail 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 remain useful."

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