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UN's top security body has adopted a US-backed measure that favors Morocco's claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite fierce resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Morocco's Stance

While Friday's decision was split, the measure represents the strongest support yet for Moroccan plan to maintain sovereignty over the region, which additionally has support from the majority of EU members and a growing number of African nation allies.

Measure Structure and Important Elements

The resolution refers to Moroccan proposal as a foundation for talks. As with earlier resolutions, the text doesn't include a referendum on independence that includes independence as an option, which constitutes the solution traditionally supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies.

Genuine self-rule under Morocco's authority could constitute a very feasible resolution.

Historical Context

The territory is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal 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 Front, which operates from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria and claims to speak for the Sahrawi people native to the contested region.

Decision Patterns and Global Responses

The US, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 nations in deciding in support, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary supporter, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the American ambassador to the UN, said the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the UN, commented that while the measure was an improvement on earlier versions, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Security Operation and Upcoming Assessment

The measure also renews the United Nations security operation in Western Sahara for another twelve months, as has been done for more than three decades. Prior renewals, however, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its supporters' favored resolution.

The measure urges all parties involved to "take this unprecedented chance for a enduring peace." Based on progress, it asks the UN leader to assess the operation's authority within half a year.

Regional Consequences and Current Situation

The shift could disrupt a protracted process that for many years has escaped resolution, desdespite a United Nations security operation that was designed to be temporary. Protests have followed in indigenous refugee camps in Algeria this week, where residents have vowed not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, except for a thin area called the "liberated area" that lies east of a Moroccan-built sand wall.

Past Context and Current Developments

A 1991 ceasefire was intended to facilitate a referendum on independence, but fighting over participation criteria blocked it from taking place.

Over the years, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed territory, constructing a deepwater port and a long highway. Government support keep food and energy prices low, and the population has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario withdrew from the truce in recent years after confrontations near a route the government was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently documented military activity, while the government has primarily rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations calls it "limited tensions".

International Relations and Coming Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, the movement stated that it would not participate in any process intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan unauthorized military occupation," adding peace "cannot happen by supporting territorial claims".

The conflict represents the central issue in north African diplomacy. The Moroccan government views endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a suggestion neither side agreed to. He urged Morocco to clarify what self-rule would entail and cautioned that a lack of development might raise questions about the UN's function and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be useful."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the United States reduces funding for United Nations initiatives and agencies, including security operations.