🔗 Share this article UN Approves Measure Supporting Moroccan Claim on Disputed Territory The UN Security Council has adopted a US-backed measure that endorses Morocco's position regarding the contested Western Sahara, notwithstanding strong opposition from neighboring Algeria. Split Vote Bolsters Moroccan Stance While Friday's decision was divided, the measure constitutes the strongest endorsement to date for Morocco's plan to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally has support from the majority of EU countries and a increasing number of African nation partners. Resolution Framework and Key Components The resolution refers to Moroccan proposal as a basis for negotiation. As with earlier measures, the text doesn't include a referendum on independence that includes independence as an choice, which represents the solution traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies. Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a most feasible solution. Background Information The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastal 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 functions from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the indigenous people native to the contested region. Voting Results and Global Responses The US, which sponsored the resolution, led eleven nations in deciding in favor, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's primary benefactor, did not vote. Mike Waltz, the American representative to the UN, said the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara". The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, said that while the measure was an advancement on earlier versions, it "contains a series of shortcomings". Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Assessment The measure also renews the United Nations security operation in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its allies' preferred resolution. The UN resolution calls on all sides involved to "take this unique chance for a enduring resolution." Depending on progress, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year. Regional Impact and Present Situation The change could unsettle a protracted process that for many years has escaped resolution, desdespite a UN security operation that was intended to be temporary. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where residents have pledged not to abandon their fight for self-determination. The Moroccan government controls almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin strip called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built barrier. Historical Context and Current Events A 1991-era ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring. Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed territory, constructing a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. Government subsidies keep food and energy prices affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune. Polisario withdrew from the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a route the government was constructing to Mauritania. The group has since frequently reported military activity, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN describes it "limited tensions". International Diplomacy and Future Possibilities In response to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not join any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," adding resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding expansionism". The situation constitutes the driving force in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it gauges its international partners. Recently, the UN representative proposed dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion no party agreed to. He encouraged the government to specify what autonomy would entail and cautioned that a absence of development might question the UN's role and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain useful." The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the US slashes financial support for UN programmes and organizations, including security operations.