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The UN Security Council has approved a American-supported measure that endorses Moroccan position regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Morocco's Stance

While Friday's vote was split, the measure represents the most significant support to date for Moroccan plan to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also has support from most EU members and a growing number of African partners.

Measure Structure and Key Elements

The resolution describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to previous resolutions, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that includes independence as an choice, which represents the approach traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

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

Background Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastline desert the size of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and asserts to represent the indigenous people native to the disputed region.

Voting Results and Global Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the measure, led 11 nations in voting in support, while three countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's main benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations, said the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an advancement on previous versions, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also renews the UN peacekeeping operation in the territory for another year, as has been done for over three decades. Prior extensions, however, have not included a mention to Morocco and its allies' preferred resolution.

The measure calls on all parties involved to "take this unique opportunity for a enduring peace." Based on developments, it asks the UN leader to review the operation's authority within half a year.

Regional Impact and Present Conditions

The change could disrupt a protracted situation that for many years has eluded settlement, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have pledged not to give up their fight for self-determination.

Morocco administers almost all of the territory, excluding a narrow area called the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Events

A 1991-era truce was intended to pave the way for a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the contested region, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. State support keep basic commodity prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a route the government was paving to Mauritania.

The group has since frequently reported security operations, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of active fighting. The UN describes it "low-level tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Coming Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not join any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal presence," adding resolution "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The situation represents the driving force in north African diplomacy. Morocco views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN representative suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what self-rule would entail and warned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain effective."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the US slashes financial support for UN programmes and organizations, covering peacekeeping.