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The UN Security Council has adopted a US-backed measure that supports Morocco's position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite strong opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Vote Strengthens Moroccan Position

Although the recent decision was divided, the measure constitutes the strongest support yet for Moroccan proposal to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally enjoys support from most European Union countries and a increasing number of African nation allies.

Measure Framework and Important Components

The resolution refers to Moroccan proposal as a basis for negotiation. As with earlier measures, the document doesn't include a referendum on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the approach long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies.

Real self-rule under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a very practical resolution.

Background Context

The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline arid land the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is claimed by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern neighboring Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Decision Results and Global Reactions

The United States, which proposed the measure, guided 11 nations in voting in support, while three nations – multiple nations – abstained. Algeria, Polisario's main supporter, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the American ambassador to the UN, said the vote had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a long, long overdue resolution in the region".

Amar Bendjama, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, said that while the resolution was an advancement on previous versions, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Future Review

The resolution also extends the UN security operation in Western Sahara for another year, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Prior renewals, however, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its supporters' preferred outcome.

The UN resolution calls on all sides involved to "seize this unique chance for a enduring resolution." Depending on developments, it asks the UN leader to assess the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Regional Impact and Present Situation

The change could unsettle a long-stalled process that for many years has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was intended to be temporary. Protests have ensued in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this week, where people have pledged not to give up their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government controls nearly all of Western Sahara, except for a narrow strip known as the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Events

A 1991-era ceasefire was intended to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the contested region, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile road. Government support keep food and energy costs affordable, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a road Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently reported security activity, while Morocco has primarily rejected claims of open conflict. The UN calls it "limited hostilities".

Global Relations and Future Prospects

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," adding peace "cannot happen by supporting expansionism".

The situation constitutes the driving force in north African diplomacy. Morocco considers endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its allies.

Last October, the UN representative suggested partitioning Western Sahara, a proposal no party agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would entail and warned that a absence of development might question the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to remain effective."

The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the United States slashes funding for UN programmes and organizations, including peacekeeping.