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UN's top security body has adopted a US-backed measure that endorses Morocco's position regarding the contested territory, despite fierce resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

Although the recent decision was split, the measure constitutes the most significant support to date for Morocco's proposal to maintain control over the region, which also enjoys backing from most EU members and a growing number of African allies.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The document refers to Morocco's plan as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to earlier resolutions, the text doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the approach long favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a very feasible solution.

Historical Context

The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastal desert the size of Colorado which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Voting Patterns and Global Responses

The United States, which proposed the measure, guided 11 nations in deciding in support, while 3 countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's main supporter, did not vote.

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

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier versions, it "still has a series of shortcomings".

Security Operation and Upcoming Review

The measure also renews the UN security operation in the territory for another year, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not included a reference to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all parties involved to "seize this unique opportunity for a enduring resolution." Based on progress, it asks the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Area Consequences and Current Conditions

The shift could unsettle a protracted situation that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN security mission that was intended to be temporary. Protests have followed in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this week, where residents have pledged not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of the territory, excluding a thin area known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Background and Current Developments

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to facilitate a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from taking place.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the contested territory, building a deepwater port and a long highway. Government support keep food and energy prices affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a road the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently reported security activity, while Morocco has mostly denied open conflict. The UN calls it "limited tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not join any process aiming "to validate Morocco's illegal presence," adding peace "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict represents the central issue in north African diplomacy. Morocco considers support for its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its allies.

Last October, the UN representative proposed dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion no party agreed to. He urged Morocco to specify what autonomy would involve and warned that a lack of development might question the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain useful."

The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the US slashes financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, covering peacekeeping.