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The UN Security Council has adopted a American-supported measure that favors Moroccan claim regarding the disputed territory, despite significant resistance from Algeria.

Split Vote Strengthens Moroccan Position

Although the recent vote was split, the measure represents the most significant endorsement to date for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally enjoys support from the majority of EU members and a increasing number of African allies.

Measure Structure and Important Components

The resolution refers to Morocco's plan as a basis for talks. Similar to previous resolutions, the document makes no mention of a referendum on independence that contains independence as an option, which constitutes the approach long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its allies.

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

Background Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of a US state which was under Spain's control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people indigenous to the contested territory.

Decision Results and International Reactions

The US, which sponsored the resolution, guided 11 countries in voting in support, while 3 countries – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's primary supporter, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the American representative to the United Nations, said the vote had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

Amar Bendjama, the Algerian ambassador to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier versions, it "still has a number of shortcomings".

Security Operation and Future Review

The resolution also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been done for more than three decades. Previous extensions, however, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its allies' favored resolution.

The UN resolution urges all sides participating to "take this unique chance for a enduring resolution." Based on progress, it asks the secretary general to review the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Consequences and Current Situation

The shift could unsettle a long-stalled process that for decades has escaped settlement, desdespite a United Nations security mission that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where people have pledged not to abandon their fight for self-determination.

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

Past Background and Current Developments

A 1991 truce was intended to pave the way for a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Through time, Morocco has transformed the contested territory, constructing 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 settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in recent years after confrontations near a road Morocco was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently reported military operations, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "low-level tensions".

International Relations and Future Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not participate in any process aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's illegal military occupation," saying resolution "can never be achieved by supporting expansionism".

The conflict represents the driving force in north African international relations. Morocco views support for its autonomy plan as a benchmark for how it gauges its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a proposal neither side accepted. He urged Morocco to specify what autonomy would entail and warned that a lack of development might raise questions about the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain useful."

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