Inside the secret US-led talks to solve the Western Sahara conflict
Inside the Secret US-Led Talks to Solve the Western Sahara Conflict
The U.S. has escalated its diplomatic push to resolve the long-standing dispute between Morocco and Western Sahara independence advocates, initiating three confidential sessions that reunited key stakeholders for the first time in years. These gatherings, organized by Washington, aimed to break the deadlock that has persisted for decades.
Despite the initiative, diplomatic sources reveal that progress remains elusive. The challenge mirrors similar conflicts involving Israelis and Palestinians in Gaza, or Armenia and Azerbaijan, as the U.S. seeks to position itself as a mediator in Africa. President Donald Trump’s desire to showcase his peacemaking role has driven the effort, but tensions persist among the parties.
Unresolved Tensions and Geopolitical Backing
Western Sahara’s status as a non-self-governing territory, recognized by the United Nations, remains contentious. Since a 1991 ceasefire, Morocco controls 80% of the region, bolstered by a defensive wall constructed in the 1980s, while the Polisario Front holds the remainder. The conflict, which began over half a century ago when Spain withdrew from its last African colony in 1975, has yet to reach a resolution.
With an area of 266,000 square kilometers, the territory is sparsely populated. Approximately 600,000 residents live there, predominantly Moroccans, many serving as soldiers. The indigenous Sahrawi population numbers fewer than 50,000, with around 165,000 refugees residing in Algerian camps. This demographic divide has fueled ongoing disputes over self-determination.
Recent negotiations, held at the foreign minister level, have failed to produce significant outcomes. According to MEE sources, Washington seeks rapid resolution but faces major disagreements, particularly regarding autonomy levels and the role of Sahrawi citizens in finalizing the agreement. These divergences complicate the process, even as Morocco advances its claims.
Political Shifts and UN Resolutions
Trump’s 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara marked a pivotal moment. The decision, announced on X, prompted the kingdom to join the Abraham Accords and reestablish ties with Israel, making the U.S. the first Western nation to take this step. However, the move sparked a diplomatic rift with Algeria, which has consistently supported the Polisario Front.
During his second term, Trump delayed reiterating this stance for ten months before backing Morocco’s claims again. This was formalized through UN Resolution 2797, which framed “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty” as a viable solution. The resolution, adopted on 31 October, saw Russia and China abstain, signaling growing U.S. influence in the region.
Historically, Morocco’s autonomy plan, first drafted in 2007, was initially concise—just three pages. European nations, including Spain, have increasingly endorsed it in recent years. However, Rabat hesitated to elaborate the proposal until the Trump administration prompted a more detailed version, expanded to 38 pages in January.
Recent Diplomatic Engagements
Massad Boulos, Trump’s Africa envoy, has led three secret talks within a month, from late January to late February. Two sessions occurred in Washington, while the third was in Madrid. Delegates from Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania participated. The final meeting in Washington, held during Ramadan, was poorly timed, according to UN sources.
Moroccan and Sahrawi representatives had not met in person since March 2019 in Geneva. The recent gatherings reflect a renewed attempt to bridge the gap, but the political landscape remains fragmented. As the U.S. continues its role, the question remains whether this diplomacy will finally yield a lasting solution.
