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The UN Security Council has passed a US-backed measure that endorses Morocco's claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite fierce resistance from Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Moroccan Position

Although the recent decision was divided, the measure represents the most significant endorsement to date for Morocco's plan to retain control over the territory, which also has backing from the majority of EU countries and a increasing number of African partners.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Moroccan plan as a foundation for negotiation. As with previous resolutions, the document makes no mention of a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the approach traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Morocco's authority could constitute a most practical resolution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastline arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested territory.

Decision Patterns and International Reactions

The US, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 nations in deciding in favor, while three nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's main benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's representative to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an improvement on previous iterations, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also extends the United Nations security mission in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for over three decades. Previous extensions, however, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its allies' preferred resolution.

The measure calls on all parties participating to "seize this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring resolution." Depending on progress, it requests the secretary general to review the operation's mandate within half a year.

Regional Impact and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a protracted situation that for many years has escaped resolution, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where residents have vowed not to abandon their fight for independence.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Background and Current Developments

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the contested region, constructing a deepwater port and a long road. State support keep food and energy costs low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

The movement ended the truce in 2020 after clashes near a road the government was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently documented military activity, while the government has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The UN calls it "limited tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not join any initiative intending "to validate Morocco's unauthorized presence," saying peace "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The situation constitutes the central issue in north African diplomacy. Morocco views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a suggestion no party agreed to. He encouraged the government to specify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a absence of progress might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain effective."

The initiative to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering peacekeeping.