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The UN Security Council has adopted a US-backed measure that endorses Moroccan claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite significant resistance from Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

While the recent vote was split, the resolution constitutes the strongest endorsement to date for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which additionally has support from most EU members and a increasing number of African nation partners.

Measure Structure and Important Components

The document describes Morocco's plan as a basis for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the document doesn't include a vote on independence that includes sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the approach traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters.

Genuine self-rule under Moroccan authority could represent a very feasible solution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastal arid land the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and International Reactions

The US, which sponsored the measure, led eleven nations in voting in favor, while three nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's primary benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the United Nations, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the UN, said that while the measure was an improvement on previous versions, it "still has a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also extends the United Nations security operation in Western Sahara for an additional year, as has been done for over three decades. Prior extensions, however, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all sides involved to "seize this unique chance for a lasting peace." Depending on progress, it requests the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Regional Impact and Present Conditions

The change could unsettle a protracted situation that for many years has eluded resolution, desdespite a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

Morocco controls almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin area called the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Context and Recent Developments

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

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed territory, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. Government subsidies keep food and energy costs affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in recent years after confrontations near a route Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The group has since frequently reported security operations, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "limited tensions".

Global Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal presence," adding resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The conflict constitutes the driving force in north African international relations. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed dividing the territory, a suggestion neither side accepted. He encouraged the government to clarify what self-rule would entail and warned that a absence of development might question the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain useful."

The initiative to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US reduces financial support for UN programmes and agencies, covering peacekeeping.