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The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed measure that supports Morocco's claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite strong opposition from Algeria.

Split Vote Strengthens Moroccan Position

While Friday's decision was split, the measure constitutes the strongest endorsement to date for Moroccan plan to retain control over the territory, which additionally has backing from most European Union members and a growing number of African allies.

Resolution Framework and Key Elements

The document refers to Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. As with previous measures, the document doesn't include a referendum on independence that contains sovereignty as an option, which represents the solution traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Real self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a very practical resolution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal desert the area of a US state which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in south-western neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the disputed region.

Decision Patterns and Global Responses

The US, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 nations in voting in support, while 3 nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the United Nations, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

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

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Assessment

The measure also renews the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the territory for another year, as has been done for over thirty years. Previous renewals, though, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored resolution.

The UN resolution urges all sides participating to "take this unprecedented chance for a lasting peace." Depending on developments, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a protracted situation that for many years has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations security mission that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow strip known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Background and Recent Developments

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the contested territory, constructing a maritime facility and a long highway. Government subsidies keep basic commodity costs affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in recent years after confrontations near a road Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly documented security operations, while the government has mostly denied open conflict. The UN calls it "limited tensions".

International Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not participate in any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal presence," adding peace "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism".

The situation represents the central issue in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Last October, the UN representative suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to specify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a lack of development might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain useful."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces funding for UN programmes and organizations, including peacekeeping.