🔗 Share this article United Nations Approves Measure Favoring Morocco's Position on Disputed Territory UN's top security body has passed a American-supported resolution that favors Moroccan position regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite significant opposition from Algeria. Split Decision Bolsters Moroccan Position While Friday's vote was split, the measure constitutes the most significant endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the region, which also enjoys support from most EU countries and a growing number of African allies. Measure Framework and Important Elements The document refers to Moroccan proposal as a foundation for talks. Similar to earlier measures, the text makes no mention of a vote on independence that includes independence as an option, which represents the solution long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters. Genuine self-rule under Moroccan authority could represent a very practical solution. Background Information The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastal desert the area of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people indigenous to the contested region. Decision Patterns and Global Responses The United States, which proposed the resolution, guided 11 countries in deciding in support, while three nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's main benefactor, did not vote. Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the UN, said the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed peace in the region". The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the UN, said that while the resolution was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "still has a number of deficiencies". Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Assessment The resolution also renews the United Nations security mission in the territory for another twelve months, as has been implemented for over thirty years. Previous extensions, though, have not contained a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored outcome. The measure calls on all parties involved to "take this unprecedented chance for a enduring resolution." Depending on developments, it requests the UN leader to review the operation's mandate within six months. Area Impact and Current Situation The shift could unsettle a protracted situation that for decades has escaped settlement, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping mission that was intended to be temporary. Protests have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have vowed not to abandon their struggle for self-determination. Morocco controls almost all of Western Sahara, except for a thin strip known as the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier. Historical Background and Current Developments A 1991-era truce was meant to pave the way for a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from taking place. Through time, Morocco has transformed the disputed region, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. Government support keep food and energy prices low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune. The movement withdrew from the truce in recent years after clashes near a road the government was paving to Mauritania. The movement has since regularly documented security activity, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations describes it "low-level hostilities". Global Relations and Future Prospects In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to validate Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," adding peace "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims". The situation represents the driving force in regional international relations. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its allies. Recently, the UN envoy suggested partitioning the territory, a proposal no party accepted. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a lack of progress might raise questions about the UN's role and "whether there is space and readiness for us to remain useful." The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the US reduces funding for UN programmes and agencies, covering security operations.