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The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed measure that supports Moroccan claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce opposition from Algeria.

Split Decision Bolsters Moroccan Stance

While the recent vote was divided, the measure represents the strongest support yet for Morocco's proposal to maintain control over the region, which also has backing from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African allies.

Measure Structure and Key Components

The document refers to Morocco's proposal as a foundation for talks. As with previous measures, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the approach traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan authority could constitute a most feasible solution.

Historical Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastline arid land the area of Colorado which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Decision Results and International Reactions

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 countries in voting in favor, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's main supporter, did not participate.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the United Nations, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

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

Security Operation and Future Assessment

The measure also renews the UN security operation in the territory for an additional twelve months, as has been done for over three decades. Previous renewals, though, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its allies' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution urges all sides participating to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting resolution." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Consequences and Present Situation

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled situation that for many years has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN security operation that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have vowed not to abandon their fight for independence.

Morocco administers almost all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow strip called the "free zone" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Background and Recent Events

A 1991 truce was intended to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but disagreements over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the contested region, constructing a maritime facility and a long highway. Government support keep food and energy prices affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the truce in recent years after clashes near a road the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since regularly reported security operations, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations describes it "limited hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Future Prospects

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to validate Morocco's unauthorized presence," adding resolution "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The situation represents the central issue in north African international relations. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He urged the government to specify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a lack of progress might question the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain effective."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces financial support for UN programmes and agencies, covering security operations.