Diplomatic activity in Western Sahara
Global attention shifted again as the Western Sahara issue rose to the top of diplomatic agendas. In 2020, a surprise declaration tied Moroccan sovereignty to the disputed territory sparked a long-running debate. Since then, the current administration in Washington has signaled a willingness to explore a negotiated path, even as it maintains ties with prior positions. The United Nations has publicly backed a referendum on self-determination, signaling a possible route to durable settlement. The evolving stance adds a layer of urgency to events in the strategic strip of land along the Atlantic coast.
On the ground, the diplomatic tempo has quickened. High-level visits by U.S. and United Nations officials to Rabat, Algiers, and Western Sahara reflect a concerted effort to shape the trajectory of the crisis. The aim is to advance dialogue and reduce tensions through structured engagement with all stakeholders.
This week, the United Nations special envoy for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, held meetings with Sahrawi activists in the city of Dakhla, long a flashpoint in the dispute. He arrived in El Aaiún earlier in the week, a city administered by Morocco. The purpose of these sessions is to gather diverse perspectives to inform a forthcoming UN report that will be presented to the UN Secretary-General and discussed by the General Assembly. While the specifics of the discussions remain confidential, the visit carries symbolic weight as it underscores the UN mandate for a referendum and a political process compatible with regional realities. The envoy previously faced access restrictions by Rabat and is now engaging directly with dissidents to assess conditions on the ground.
Analysts suggest the shift could be tied to broader regional pressures, including the Niger crisis and shifting alliances across Africa. As noted by experts, major regional powers have a strong influence on the Western Sahara debate, and U.S. diplomacy has sought to align with those dynamics while supporting a credible political process. Among the actors, Algeria stands out for its geographic position and political clout, advocating a UN-backed referendum that could lead to independence or to reintegration with Morocco depending on the outcome and the will of the Sahrawi people.
In a related development, Washington’s coordination with North African partners has included high-level talks on security and counter-terrorism in the region. U.S. officials have emphasized the importance of regional stability and the prevention of escalation, while keeping the door open to a broad political settlement that respects self-determination principles.
Diplomatic action in the Sahara
Recent weeks have seen a tangible rise in regional diplomacy. Joshua Harris, the U.S. official responsible for Middle East and North Africa policy, visited the Sahrawi refugee camps in the Tindouf region of Algeria to consult with key stakeholders. There, conversations with Brahim Ghali and senior representatives of the Polisario Front focused on sustaining a political process endorsed by the United Nations. The Polisario Front has long argued that the 1991 ceasefire should yield to a new framework based on self-determination and a lasting peace, especially after concerns over border security and regional stability intensified in recent years.
Harris reaffirmed U.S. support for the UN-led political process and expressed confidence that a negotiated settlement remains possible. His comments reflect a shift in tone from prior administrations, signaling a willingness to explore multiple pathways to a solution that is acceptable to all parties involved. The discussions underscore the evolving U.S. approach to Western Sahara, balancing recognition of Moroccan administrative realities with respect for international processes designed to determine the territory’s future.
In parallel, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State traveled to Rabat and Algiers to engage with regional colleagues. Algeria, a major ally of the Polisario Front, continues to advocate for a referendum as recommended by the United Nations, underscoring the enduring debate over self-determination, autonomy, or alternative arrangements. The conversations reflect a shared belief that a comprehensive, sustainable settlement is rooted in realism and compromise that serves the interests of the Sahrawi people and regional stability.
United States and the Sahara
As the political dialogue evolves, a notable development was the signing of a trilateral agreement involving the United States, Israel, and Morocco. The document signals Washington’s intent to defend its diplomatic positions across international forums, while observers note a tension between that posture and UN Security Council or General Assembly resolutions advocating for a self-determination framework or a mutually acceptable political solution for Western Sahara. Analysts emphasize that autonomous arrangements proposed by Rabat must be weighed against the broader UN-led process and the potential for a self-determination referendum.
Recent statements by U.S. officials emphasize a pragmatic, inclusive approach to the conflict. In discussions with Algerian media and with Moroccan counterparts, Washington has indicated that it views the Moroccan autonomy proposal as credible and potentially realistic, while acknowledging that other paths remain on the table. The evolving U.S. position mirrors a broader international debate about the best route to ensure peace, stability, and the genuine aspirations of the Sahrawi people. This reflects a shift from earlier, more rigid postures toward a flexible framework capable of accommodating diverse regional interests and UN principles.
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