In a major diplomatic push, the United States convened a fresh round of Western Sahara negotiations in Washington on Monday. This high-level summit brings together representatives from Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front. The meeting represents the third significant diplomatic gathering in just one month, following recent discussions held at the U.S. embassy in Madrid.
This accelerated timeline highlights a renewed sense of urgency from the White House. Leading the initiative is Massad Boulos, President Donald Trump’s specialized envoy for African affairs. Observers suggest that the administration is aiming for a definitive diplomatic breakthrough as early as the spring of 2026.
The Quest for the “Peace President” Title
The motivation behind this intensive mediation appears to be both strategic and symbolic. Analysts, including Spanish journalist Ignacio Cembrero, suggest that President Trump is eager to solidify his legacy as a “peace president.”
By resolving one of the world’s longest-standing territorial disputes, Washington hopes to strengthen its regional architecture. Furthermore, Morocco remains a vital U.S. ally. The nation’s recent involvement in Gaza stabilization efforts has only increased its strategic importance to American foreign policy goals.
The Framework: Autonomy vs. Self-Determination
Despite the renewed energy in Washington, core disagreements between the primary parties continue to hinder a final agreement. The United States has centered the negotiations on Morocco’s autonomy plan. This approach aligns with the framework established in the UN Security Council’s Resolution 2797, passed in October.
However, this framework faces significant opposition:
- The Moroccan Position: Proposes a model where the region remains under Moroccan sovereignty but maintains its own local government and administrative powers.
- The Polisario and Algerian Position: Both the Polisario Front and Algeria have historically rejected any framework that does not include a direct path to a referendum on full self-determination.
Symbolic Disputes and Identity Questions
The friction in the negotiations is not limited to legal or territorial boundaries. Deep-seated identity questions have become a primary sticking point for both sides.
Reports suggest that the current Moroccan proposal would not grant official recognition to a distinct Sahrawi identity. This includes a ban on the use of independent national symbols, such as a Sahrawi flag or anthem. Sahrawi representatives have vehemently opposed these restrictions, viewing them as an erasure of their cultural heritage.
Interestingly, some mediators have pointed to the American system as a potential compromise. In the United States, states like California maintain their own flags and regional identities while remaining fully integrated into the federal union. Whether a similar “regional symbol” model could work in the Maghreb remains a central theme of the private discussions.
The Path Forward
As talks continue behind closed doors through Tuesday, the international community is watching closely. The shift from UN-led processes to a more direct, Washington-managed mediation style reflects a departure from traditional multilateralism.
For the people living in the region, the outcome of these two days in D.C. could determine the trajectory of their lives for the next decade. While the hurdles are high, the frequency of these meetings suggests that for the first time in fifty years, a resolution may finally be within reach.
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