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The UN Security Council has passed a US-backed measure that favors Moroccan claim regarding the disputed Western Sahara, despite strong resistance from neighboring Algeria.

Split Vote Bolsters Morocco's Stance

Although the recent vote was divided, the measure represents the strongest support to date for Morocco's proposal to retain sovereignty over the territory, which additionally has backing from most EU members and a growing number of African allies.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The document describes Morocco's proposal as a foundation for talks. As with previous measures, the text makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that contains independence as an option, which constitutes the solution traditionally favored by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its supporters.

Genuine autonomy under Morocco's authority could constitute a very feasible solution.

Background Information

Western Sahara is a mineral-rich stretch of coastline desert the size of a US state which was under Spanish control until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front, which functions from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people native to the disputed territory.

Decision Patterns and Global Responses

The United States, which sponsored the measure, led 11 countries in deciding in favor, while three countries – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. The neighboring country, the movement's primary benefactor, did not participate.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the progress for a much-delayed peace in Western Sahara".

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

Security Mission and Upcoming Review

The measure also extends the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been done for more than three decades. Prior renewals, though, have not included a mention to Moroccan and its allies' favored resolution.

The UN resolution calls on all parties involved to "take this unprecedented chance for a enduring resolution." Depending on progress, it asks the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's mandate within six months.

Area Impact and Present Situation

The change could unsettle a protracted situation that for decades has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN security operation that was designed to be short-term. Protests have followed in indigenous refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where residents have vowed not to give up their struggle for self-determination.

Morocco administers nearly all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin area known as the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Background and Recent Events

A 1991-era truce was intended to facilitate a referendum on independence, but disagreements over participation criteria prevented it from taking place.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the contested region, building a maritime facility and a long road. State subsidies keep basic commodity costs low, and the resident count has ballooned as Moroccans settle in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

Polisario ended the truce in recent years after confrontations near a route Morocco was constructing to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has since frequently reported security operations, while the government has mostly rejected claims of open conflict. The UN calls it "low-level tensions".

International Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to validate Moroccan illegal military occupation," adding resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims".

The situation represents the driving force in regional diplomacy. The Moroccan government considers support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy suggested dividing Western Sahara, a proposal neither side agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a absence of development might question the United Nations' role and "whether there is space and willingness for us to still be effective."

The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the US reduces financial support for UN programmes and agencies, covering security operations.