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The UN Security Council has approved a US-backed resolution that supports Morocco's position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite fierce resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Bolsters Moroccan Position

Although the recent vote was split, the resolution represents the strongest support yet for Moroccan proposal to maintain sovereignty over the region, which also has support from most EU countries and a growing number of African nation allies.

Measure Framework and Important Elements

The resolution describes Morocco's proposal as a basis for talks. As with previous resolutions, the text makes no mention of a referendum on independence that includes sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the approach traditionally supported by the independence-seeking 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 functions from refugee camps in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and Global Responses

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided eleven nations in voting in support, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "contains a number of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Review

The resolution also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for over three decades. Prior extensions, however, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all sides participating to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a lasting peace." Based on progress, it requests the secretary general to review the operation's mandate within six months.

Regional Consequences and Present Conditions

The change could unsettle a protracted situation that for many years has eluded settlement, desdespite a UN security operation that was intended to be temporary. Protests have followed in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a narrow area called the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco barrier.

Historical Context and Current Developments

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

Over the years, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, building a deepwater port and a long road. Government subsidies keep food and energy costs affordable, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario ended the ceasefire in recent years after confrontations near a route the government was paving to Mauritania.

The group has since regularly documented security operations, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations describes it "low-level tensions".

International Relations and Future Prospects

Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not participate in any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal military occupation," saying peace "cannot happen by supporting expansionism".

The conflict represents the central issue in north African international relations. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested partitioning the territory, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He urged the government to specify what self-rule would entail and warned that a lack of development might raise questions about the UN's function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be useful."

The push to review the UN operation comes as the United States slashes funding for UN programmes and organizations, covering security operations.