The UN security council has approved a US-backed resolution supporting Morocco's claim to the disputed Western Sahara, despite fierce opposition from Algeria. Although Friday's vote was divided, the resolution offers the strongest endorsement yet for Morocco's plan to keep sovereignty over the territory, which also has backing from most European Union members and a growing number of African allies. The resolution refers to Morocco's plan as a basis for negotiation.
On Tuesday, France said it was expelling 12 Algerian diplomatic officials, following Algeria's expulsion of the same number of French officials. This escalating tension underscores the fragile diplomatic relations shaped by colonial history.