🔗 Share this article United Nations Approves Resolution Supporting Moroccan Claim on Disputed Territory UN's top security body has passed a US-backed resolution that endorses Moroccan claim regarding the contested Western Sahara, despite significant resistance from Algeria. Divided Vote Bolsters Moroccan Stance Although Friday's vote was split, the measure constitutes the strongest endorsement to date for Morocco's proposal to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which also enjoys support from most EU members and a increasing number of African partners. Resolution Structure and Key Elements The resolution refers to Moroccan proposal as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to earlier measures, the text makes no mention of a vote on independence that contains sovereignty as an option, which represents the approach long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its allies. Genuine self-rule under Moroccan authority could represent a most practical solution. Historical Information The territory is a phosphate-rich area of coastline arid land the area of Colorado which was under Spanish rule until 1975. 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 native to the contested territory. Decision Results and International Reactions The US, which sponsored the measure, led eleven countries in voting in support, while three nations – multiple nations – declined to vote. Algeria, Polisario's main supporter, did not vote. Mike Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "historic" and would "advance the progress for a much-delayed peace in the region". The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, commented that while the measure was an advancement on earlier versions, it "still has a number of shortcomings". Security Mission and Future Assessment The resolution also renews the UN security mission in the territory for another twelve months, as has been done for more than three decades. Previous extensions, however, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its allies' favored outcome. The UN resolution urges all sides participating to "seize this unique chance for a lasting resolution." Based on progress, it requests the UN leader to review the operation's authority within half a year. Area Consequences and Current Conditions The shift could disrupt a protracted situation that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a UN peacekeeping mission that was designed to be temporary. Demonstrations have followed in Sahrawi refugee camps in the neighboring country this week, where people have pledged not to abandon their fight for self-determination. Morocco administers almost all of Western Sahara, excluding a thin strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco barrier. Past Context and Current Developments A 1991 ceasefire was intended to facilitate a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring. Through time, the Moroccan government has transformed the contested territory, building a maritime facility and a 656-mile highway. State support keep food and energy prices low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccans establish homes in urban areas such as Dakhla and Laayoune. Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in recent years after clashes near a route Morocco was paving to Mauritania. The group has since frequently reported security operations, while the government has mostly denied active fighting. The United Nations calls it "limited tensions". Global Relations and Future Prospects Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any process intending "to validate Morocco's illegal military occupation," saying resolution "cannot happen by supporting expansionism". The situation represents the central issue in regional diplomacy. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it gauges its allies. Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing Western Sahara, a proposal no party accepted. He encouraged the government to clarify what autonomy would entail 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 UN operation comes as the US slashes financial support for United Nations initiatives and agencies, covering peacekeeping.