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UN's top security body has approved a US-backed resolution that favors Moroccan claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite fierce resistance from Algeria.

Divided Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

While Friday's decision was divided, the measure represents the most significant endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to maintain control over the region, which additionally has backing from most European Union members and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Measure Structure and Key Components

The document refers to Moroccan proposal as a basis for negotiation. Similar to previous measures, the document doesn't include a vote on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an choice, which represents the solution traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Moroccan authority could constitute a very practical resolution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich area of coastal desert the area of a US state which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the indigenous people native to the contested territory.

Decision Results and International Responses

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 countries in voting in favor, while three nations – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American representative to the UN, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed peace in the region".

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

Security Operation and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also extends the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been done for over three decades. Previous extensions, though, have not included a reference to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The measure urges all parties involved to "seize this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting peace." Based on developments, it requests the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Regional Impact and Current Situation

The shift could disrupt a protracted situation that for decades has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this recent period, where residents have vowed not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

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

Historical Context and Recent Developments

A 1991 truce was intended to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but fighting over voter eligibility blocked it from taking place.

Through time, the Moroccan government has transformed the disputed territory, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. State support keep food and energy prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement withdrew from the truce in recent years after confrontations near a road the government was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The group has subsequently frequently documented security operations, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN describes it "limited hostilities".

International Relations and Future Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not participate in any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal presence," saying resolution "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

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

Last October, the UN envoy proposed partitioning the territory, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would involve and warned that a lack of progress might question the United Nations' function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be useful."

The initiative to reassess the United Nations Mission comes as the United States reduces funding for UN programmes and agencies, including security operations.