US Hosts Western Sahara Talks Amid Stalemate Over Self-Determination

The US held another round of Western Sahara negotiations in Washington with Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front, led by envoy Massad Boulos. The talks focus on Morocco’s autonomy plan, but disagreements remain over Sahrawi self-determination and identity. Negotiations continue behind closed doors, with Washington seeking a breakthrough by spring.

The United States convened a new round of negotiations over the Western Sahara conflict in Washington on Monday, bringing together representatives from Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front in a high-stakes diplomatic effort to address the long-standing territorial dispute. This latest meeting marks the third round of talks in just one month, following previous discussions held at the US embassy in Madrid earlier in February. The initiative is being led by former US Africa envoy Massad Boulos, with analysts suggesting that Washington hopes to achieve a breakthrough in the negotiations by the spring. The talks are part of a broader US effort to stabilize the region and strengthen its diplomatic influence, particularly in North Africa.
Observers note that former President Donald Trump seeks to present himself as a “peace president” while advancing US strategic interests in the region, including support for Morocco, a key US ally currently involved in stabilization efforts in Gaza. The negotiations are framed around the Moroccan autonomy plan, which the United States is advocating as the primary framework for resolving the dispute. This approach aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 2797, passed in October, which encourages dialogue based on Morocco’s proposed solution.
Despite these efforts, core disagreements remain entrenched. The Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, continues to reject any solution that does not guarantee the Sahrawi people the right to full self-determination. The dispute extends beyond governance to symbolic issues of identity. Morocco’s autonomy plan reportedly denies official recognition of a distinct Sahrawi identity, including the use of flags or an anthem, a position strongly opposed by Sahrawi representatives. Observers such as Spanish journalist Ignacio Cembrero have highlighted the symbolic nature of these disputes, noting that other regions, such as US states like California, maintain regional symbols while remaining fully integrated into the national framework.
Negotiations are proceeding behind closed doors and are expected to continue through Tuesday, with mediators attempting to bridge the gap between the parties on both political and symbolic issues. While Washington is pressing for tangible progress, the persistent divergence over self-determination and recognition of Sahrawi identity indicates that a resolution may remain elusive without further compromise from both sides. The outcome of these talks will have implications not only for the future of Western Sahara but also for broader US diplomatic engagement in North Africa.