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The UN Security Council has passed a US-backed resolution that supports Morocco's position regarding the contested territory, despite significant resistance from Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

Although Friday's decision was divided, the resolution represents the strongest endorsement to date for Moroccan plan to maintain control over the territory, which also enjoys backing from most European Union members and a increasing number of African partners.

Resolution Structure and Key Components

The resolution refers to Moroccan proposal as a basis for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the document doesn't include a vote on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a very practical resolution.

Historical Context

The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastal desert the size 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 functions from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the disputed territory.

Decision Patterns and Global Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 nations in voting in support, while 3 nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

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

Security Mission and Future Review

The measure also extends the UN security operation in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been done for more than thirty years. Previous extensions, though, have not included a reference to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The measure calls on all parties participating to "seize this unique chance for a lasting peace." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's mandate within six months.

Regional Impact and Current Conditions

The change could unsettle a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped resolution, desdespite a United Nations security mission that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have vowed not to abandon their fight for independence.

Morocco administers nearly all of the territory, except for a thin area called the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Background and Recent Developments

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

Over the years, Morocco has developed the contested region, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. State subsidies keep food and energy prices low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

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

The movement has since frequently documented military operations, while the government has mostly rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations describes it "limited hostilities".

Global Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal military occupation," saying resolution "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The situation constitutes the central issue in regional diplomacy. Morocco considers support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN representative suggested dividing Western Sahara, a proposal neither side accepted. He urged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be effective."

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