🔗 Share this article United Nations Endorses Resolution Supporting Moroccan Position on Disputed Territory UN's top security body has approved a American-supported resolution that endorses Moroccan position regarding the contested territory, notwithstanding fierce resistance from Algeria. Split Decision Strengthens Moroccan Position Although the recent decision was split, the measure represents the most significant endorsement to date for Morocco's proposal to maintain control over the territory, which also enjoys backing from the majority of European Union countries and a increasing number of African nation allies. Measure Framework and Important Components The document describes Moroccan plan as a basis for talks. As with earlier measures, the document makes no mention of a referendum on independence that includes independence as an choice, which represents the solution long favored by the pro-independence Polisario movement and its allies. Real autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a most feasible resolution. Background Information The territory is a mineral-rich area of coastline arid land the area of Colorado which was under Spain's rule until 1975. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from refugee camps in south-western Algeria and claims to represent the indigenous people native to the contested territory. Voting Results and Global Responses The US, which proposed the resolution, guided eleven nations in deciding in favor, while 3 nations – Russia, China and Pakistan – declined to vote. Algeria, the movement's main benefactor, did not participate. Mike Waltz, the US representative to the United Nations, said the vote had been "significant" and would "advance the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in the region". Amar Bendjama, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, said that while the measure was an improvement on earlier iterations, it "contains a number of deficiencies". Peacekeeping Mission and Upcoming Assessment The resolution also extends the UN security mission in the territory for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior extensions, however, have not contained a reference to Morocco and its allies' preferred outcome. The UN resolution calls on all sides participating to "take this unique opportunity for a enduring resolution." Based on developments, it asks the secretary general to review the operation's mandate within half a year. Regional Impact and Current Situation The change could unsettle a long-stalled situation that for many years has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping mission that was intended to be short-term. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have pledged not to give up their fight for independence. Morocco administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a narrow area called the "free zone" that lies to the east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall. Historical Background and Recent Developments A 1991 truce was intended to pave the way for a vote on independence, but fighting over voter eligibility prevented it from occurring. Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed region, constructing a deepwater port and a 656-mile highway. Government support keep basic commodity prices low, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as major settlements. Polisario withdrew from the truce in 2020 after confrontations near a route Morocco was constructing to Mauritania. The movement has subsequently frequently reported security activity, while the government has primarily denied active fighting. The United Nations calls it "limited hostilities". International Diplomacy and Coming Prospects Reacting to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not join any initiative intending "to 'legitimise' 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 benchmark for how it assesses its allies. Last October, the UN envoy suggested partitioning the territory, a suggestion neither side accepted. He encouraged Morocco to clarify what autonomy would involve and cautioned that a lack of progress might question the UN's function and "whether there is space and readiness for us to still be useful." The initiative to review the UN operation comes as the US slashes financial support for UN programmes and agencies, covering security operations.