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UN's top security body has passed a American-supported resolution that favors Moroccan claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite strong resistance from Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Morocco's Stance

While the recent decision was split, the resolution constitutes the strongest support yet for Morocco's plan to retain sovereignty over the territory, which also enjoys support from the majority of European Union countries and a increasing number of African allies.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The resolution refers to Morocco's proposal as a basis for talks. Similar to previous resolutions, the text makes no mention of a vote on independence that includes sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the approach long favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real self-rule under Moroccan authority could represent a most feasible resolution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal desert the area of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until 1975. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people native to the disputed region.

Decision Patterns and Global Responses

The US, which proposed the measure, guided eleven countries in deciding in favor, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, the movement's primary benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the UN, said the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a long, long overdue resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier versions, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Security Mission and Future Review

The resolution also renews the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the territory for another twelve months, as has been done for more than three decades. Previous renewals, however, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored outcome.

The UN resolution urges all parties participating to "seize this unprecedented chance for a lasting resolution." Based on developments, it asks the secretary general to assess the operation's mandate within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Present Situation

The change could unsettle a long-stalled situation that for decades has escaped settlement, desdespite a UN security mission that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where people have vowed not to abandon their struggle for independence.

Morocco controls almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow area called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Context and Recent Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed territory, constructing a deepwater port and a long highway. Government subsidies keep food and energy prices low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in urban areas such as major settlements.

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

The group has subsequently regularly documented military operations, while the government has primarily denied open conflict. The UN calls it "low-level tensions".

International Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not join any initiative intending "to validate Moroccan illegal presence," saying peace "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

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

Recently, the UN representative proposed dividing the territory, a proposal no party agreed to. He urged Morocco to specify what autonomy would entail and warned that a absence of development might question the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the United States slashes funding for UN programmes and agencies, covering peacekeeping.