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UN's top security body has passed a US-backed measure that supports Morocco's position regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding significant opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Moroccan Position

While Friday's decision was split, the measure constitutes the most significant endorsement to date for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which also has support from the majority of European Union countries and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Structure and Important Elements

The document describes Morocco's proposal as a basis for talks. Similar to previous resolutions, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that includes independence as an option, which represents the solution traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most feasible resolution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastline arid land the size of a US state which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the disputed territory.

Decision Results and International Reactions

The US, which sponsored the measure, led 11 countries in voting in favor, while three nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's main benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, said that while the resolution was an advancement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also extends the UN peacekeeping operation in the territory for another year, as has been done for more than thirty years. Previous extensions, though, have not included a reference to Morocco and its allies' preferred resolution.

The measure urges all sides participating to "seize this unique chance for a lasting resolution." Based on developments, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's authority within six months.

Area Impact and Current Conditions

The change could unsettle a protracted situation that for many years has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a United Nations security operation that was intended to be temporary. Protests have followed in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have pledged not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

Morocco controls almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow strip known as the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Historical Background and Current Events

A 1991-era truce was meant to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but fighting over voter eligibility blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed territory, constructing a maritime facility and a long highway. Government support keep food and energy prices affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the truce in recent years after confrontations near a road the government was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has subsequently frequently documented security activity, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN describes it "limited tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Coming Prospects

Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to validate Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," saying resolution "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The situation represents the central issue in north African international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it assesses its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed partitioning the territory, a proposal neither side accepted. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would involve and warned that a lack of progress might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be useful."

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