🔗 Share this article UN Endorses Measure Favoring Morocco's Claim on Disputed Territory The UN Security Council has adopted a US-backed measure that supports Moroccan claim regarding the contested territory, despite fierce opposition from neighboring Algeria. Divided Vote Bolsters Morocco's Stance While Friday's vote was split, the measure represents the most significant endorsement yet for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which also enjoys support from the majority of European Union countries and a increasing number of African nation partners. Measure Structure and Key Components The document describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for talks. Similar to previous measures, the text doesn't include a referendum on independence that contains independence as an choice, which represents the approach long favored by the independence-seeking Polisario movement and its supporters. Genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent a very feasible solution. Historical Information The territory is a mineral-rich stretch of coastal desert the size of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until the mid-1970s. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and asserts to represent the indigenous people indigenous to the contested region. Decision Patterns and Global Reactions The United States, which proposed the resolution, guided 11 nations in deciding in support, while three countries – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not participate. Mike Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in Western Sahara". The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's ambassador to the UN, commented that while the resolution was an advancement on previous versions, it "still has a number of deficiencies". Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Assessment The resolution also renews the UN security mission in the territory for an additional year, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior extensions, however, have not included a reference to Morocco and its allies' favored resolution. The measure calls on all parties participating to "seize this unprecedented chance for a lasting peace." Depending on progress, it requests the UN leader to assess the operation's mandate within half a year. Area Impact and Current Conditions The change could unsettle a long-stalled situation that for decades has eluded resolution, desdespite a UN security mission that was designed to be temporary. Protests have followed in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this recent period, where people have vowed not to give up their struggle for self-determination. The Moroccan government administers almost all of the territory, except for a narrow area known as the "free zone" that lies to the east of a Moroccan-built sand wall. Historical Context and Recent Developments A 1991 ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring. Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed region, building a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. Government support keep basic commodity costs affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccans settle in cities such as major settlements. The movement withdrew from the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a road the government was paving to Mauritania. The group has subsequently regularly reported security operations, while Morocco has mostly denied open conflict. The UN describes it "low-level hostilities". Global Diplomacy and Future Prospects Reacting to the draft resolution, Polisario said that it would not participate in any process intending "to 'legitimise' Moroccan illegal presence," adding resolution "can never be achieved by rewarding territorial claims". The conflict constitutes the driving force in north African international relations. The Moroccan government considers support for its autonomy plan as a standard for how it gauges its international partners. Recently, the UN representative proposed dividing the territory, a proposal no party agreed to. He encouraged the government to specify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a absence of progress might question the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and willingness for us to remain useful." The push to review the United Nations Mission comes as the US reduces financial support for United Nations initiatives and organizations, covering security operations.