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The UN Security Council has passed a US-backed measure that endorses Morocco's claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Vote Strengthens Morocco's Stance

While Friday's vote was split, the measure constitutes the strongest support yet for Morocco's plan to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which also has backing from the majority of European Union countries and a growing number of African partners.

Resolution Structure and Important Elements

The resolution describes Morocco's proposal as a foundation for negotiation. As with earlier measures, the document doesn't include a referendum on independence that contains sovereignty as an option, which constitutes the solution long favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a very feasible resolution.

Background Information

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal desert the size of a US state which was under Spain's control until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which operates from temporary settlements in southwestern neighboring Algeria and asserts to represent the Sahrawi people indigenous to the contested region.

Decision Results and International Reactions

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 countries in voting in favor, while 3 countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, stated the vote had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, said that while the resolution was an improvement on previous iterations, it "still has a series of shortcomings".

Peacekeeping Operation and Future Review

The resolution also renews the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for over three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not included a reference to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all parties involved to "take this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring resolution." Based on developments, it asks the secretary general to assess the operation's mandate within half a year.

Area Impact and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a protracted situation that for decades has escaped settlement, desdespite a United Nations security mission that was designed to be short-term. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this week, where residents have vowed not to give up their fight for independence.

Morocco controls almost all of the territory, excluding a thin area known as the "liberated area" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Historical Context and Recent Events

A 1991-era truce was intended to facilitate a referendum on self-determination, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested region, building a deepwater port and a long road. Government subsidies keep food and energy costs affordable, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in cities such as major settlements.

The movement ended the ceasefire in recent years after confrontations near a road the government was paving to Mauritania.

The group has since regularly reported security operations, while the government has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The United Nations describes it "low-level hostilities".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

Reacting to the proposed measure, the movement stated that it would not join any process aiming "to validate Morocco's illegal military occupation," adding resolution "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The situation represents the driving force in regional diplomacy. Morocco views support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it gauges its international partners.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing the territory, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He urged the government to clarify what self-rule would involve and cautioned that a lack of progress might question 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 United States slashes financial support for UN programmes and agencies, including peacekeeping.