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The UN Security Council has approved a American-supported resolution that favors Morocco's claim regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Morocco's Position

While the recent decision was split, the measure represents the most significant endorsement to date for Moroccan proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which additionally enjoys backing from most EU members and a growing number of African partners.

Resolution Framework and Key Components

The resolution refers to Morocco's plan as a foundation for negotiation. As with earlier resolutions, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains independence as an choice, which represents the solution long supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most practical resolution.

Historical Context

The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastline desert the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people indigenous to the disputed region.

Decision Results and International Responses

The US, which proposed the measure, guided eleven countries in deciding in support, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed peace in the region".

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

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Assessment

The resolution also renews the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been done for over three decades. Prior extensions, however, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The measure urges all parties participating to "seize this unique opportunity for a lasting resolution." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to assess the operation's mandate within half a year.

Area Consequences and Current Situation

The shift could disrupt a protracted process that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where residents have pledged not to give up their fight for self-determination.

Morocco controls almost all of the territory, excluding a thin area called the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Past Background and Current Developments

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

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed region, constructing a maritime facility and a long road. Government subsidies keep food and energy prices affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in recent years after confrontations near a road the government was constructing to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently regularly documented security activity, while the government has mostly denied active fighting. The UN calls it "low-level tensions".

International Relations and Future Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario stated that it would not join any process intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized presence," adding peace "cannot happen by supporting expansionism".

The situation constitutes the driving force in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal neither side agreed to. He urged Morocco to specify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a absence of development might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain useful."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the US reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering security operations.