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UN's top security body has passed a US-backed resolution that supports Morocco's claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding fierce resistance from Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Moroccan Position

Although Friday's decision was divided, the measure constitutes the strongest support yet for Moroccan proposal to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also has support from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African nation allies.

Measure Framework and Key Components

The resolution describes Morocco's proposal as a basis for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the text doesn't include a vote on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the approach long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

Real self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a very practical resolution.

Historical Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal arid land the area of a US state which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in south-western neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory.

Voting Patterns and Global Reactions

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided eleven nations in voting in support, while 3 countries – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, the movement's primary benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the UN, said the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an advancement on previous iterations, it "still has a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Assessment

The measure also extends the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the territory for an additional year, as has been done for over thirty years. Previous renewals, though, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored outcome.

The measure calls on all parties involved to "seize this unprecedented chance for a enduring peace." Based on developments, it requests the UN leader to assess the operation's authority within six months.

Area Consequences and Current Situation

The change could disrupt a protracted process that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations security operation that was designed to be short-term. Protests have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this recent period, where residents have pledged not to give up their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government administers almost all of the territory, excluding a narrow strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Historical Context and Recent Events

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

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the disputed territory, constructing a maritime facility and a long road. State support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements.

The movement ended the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a route the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently regularly reported military activity, while the government has mostly rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations calls it "limited hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not participate in any process aiming "to validate Morocco's illegal presence," adding resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the central issue in north African international relations. Morocco considers support for its proposal as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN representative suggested partitioning the territory, a suggestion no party agreed to. He urged Morocco to specify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a lack of development might question the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain effective."

The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering peacekeeping.