🔗 Share this article United Nations Approves Resolution Favoring Moroccan Claim on Disputed Territory The UN Security Council has passed a US-backed measure that supports Morocco's claim regarding the disputed territory, notwithstanding significant opposition from neighboring Algeria. Divided Decision Bolsters Moroccan Position While the recent vote was split, the measure constitutes the strongest support to date for Moroccan plan to retain control over the region, which additionally has backing from the majority of European Union members and a increasing number of African allies. Measure Structure and Key Elements The document describes Moroccan proposal as a basis for negotiation. As with previous resolutions, the document makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains sovereignty as an option, which represents the approach long supported by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies. Real self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a very practical resolution. Historical Information Western Sahara is a mineral-rich area of coastline desert the size of a US state which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people native to the contested territory. Voting Results and Global Reactions The US, which proposed the measure, guided 11 countries in voting in favor, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, the movement's primary benefactor, did not participate. Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, stated the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue peace in the region". Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an advancement on previous versions, it "contains a number of shortcomings". Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review The resolution also renews the UN security mission in the territory for another year, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Previous extensions, though, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its supporters' preferred resolution. The UN resolution calls on all parties participating to "seize this unique opportunity for a lasting resolution." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to review the operation's authority within six months. Regional Impact and Current Conditions The change could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for decades has eluded resolution, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping mission that was intended to be temporary. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this recent period, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for self-determination. The Moroccan government controls almost all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow area called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall. Historical Context and Current Developments A 1991-era truce was meant to pave the way for a vote on self-determination, but fighting over participation criteria prevented it from occurring. Over the years, Morocco has developed the contested region, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. Government subsidies keep food and energy prices low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as major settlements. Polisario ended the truce in 2020 after clashes near a road the government was paving to Mauritania. The movement has subsequently regularly reported security operations, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations describes it "limited tensions". International Relations and Future Possibilities Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not participate in any process intending "to validate Morocco's unauthorized presence," saying peace "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims". The situation constitutes the central issue in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners. Recently, the UN representative proposed dividing the territory, a proposal no party accepted. He encouraged Morocco to specify what autonomy would involve and warned that a absence of progress might raise questions about the United Nations' function and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain useful." The push to review the UN operation comes as the US reduces financial support for UN programmes and agencies, covering security operations.