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The UN Security Council has passed a US-backed resolution that favors Morocco's position regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding strong opposition from Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Moroccan Position

While the recent decision was split, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement to date for Moroccan proposal to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also enjoys backing from the majority of EU countries and a increasing number of African nation partners.

Resolution Structure and Key Components

The document describes Moroccan proposal as a foundation for talks. As with earlier resolutions, the document doesn't include a referendum on independence that contains independence as an option, which represents the solution traditionally supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a very feasible resolution.

Historical Information

The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, guided 11 nations in deciding in favor, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, Polisario's primary supporter, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an advancement on earlier iterations, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review

The measure also renews the UN security mission in the territory for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for more than three decades. Prior extensions, however, have not contained a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all parties participating to "take this unique chance for a enduring peace." Depending on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's mandate within half a year.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The shift could disrupt a protracted process that for many years has eluded settlement, desdespite a United Nations security operation that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria this week, where residents have pledged not to give up their fight for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of the territory, except for a narrow strip known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Background and Current Developments

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a vote on independence, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the contested territory, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. State subsidies keep basic commodity prices low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a road Morocco was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has since frequently reported security operations, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The UN describes it "low-level hostilities".

Global Relations and Future Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any initiative intending "to validate Morocco's illegal presence," adding resolution "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the central issue in regional international relations. The Moroccan government considers support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a proposal neither side agreed to. He urged the government to specify what autonomy would involve and warned that a lack of development might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US slashes funding for UN programmes and organizations, including peacekeeping.