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UN's top security body has approved a US-backed measure that supports Moroccan position regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding significant opposition from Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Moroccan Position

While the recent decision was split, the measure constitutes the strongest endorsement yet for Moroccan plan to maintain control over the region, which also enjoys backing from the majority of European Union members and a growing number of African nation allies.

Measure Structure and Important Elements

The resolution describes Moroccan plan as a foundation for talks. As with previous measures, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an choice, which constitutes the approach traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Real autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a very practical resolution.

Historical Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastline arid land the size of a US state which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people native to the contested region.

Decision Results and International Responses

The United States, which sponsored the measure, led eleven countries in voting in support, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's main supporter, did not participate.

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

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier iterations, it "contains a series of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review

The measure also renews the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Previous renewals, however, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred resolution.

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

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled process that for many years has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN peacekeeping operation that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

Morocco administers almost all of the territory, except for a narrow area called the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Background and Current Developments

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed region, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. Government support keep basic commodity prices affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the truce in recent years after confrontations near a route the government was paving to Mauritania.

The movement has since regularly documented military operations, while the government has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The UN calls it "low-level hostilities".

Global Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario stated that it would not participate in any process intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized presence," saying resolution "cannot happen by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation constitutes the driving force in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government views support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy suggested dividing Western Sahara, a proposal neither side accepted. He urged the government to clarify what self-rule would involve and warned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be useful."

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