The United States convened a fresh round of Western Sahara negotiations in Washington on Monday, bringing together Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front in a high-stakes diplomatic push to resolve the five-decade-old conflict.
This marks the third meeting in just one month, following talks at the US embassy in Madrid earlier this month.
Donald Trump’s Africa envoy Massad Boulos is leading the initiative, with analysts suggesting Washington aims for a breakthrough by spring.
According to Spanish journalist Ignacio Cembrero, Trump seeks to position himself as “the peace president” while supporting Morocco, a key US ally now involved in Gaza stabilization efforts.
Core disagreements persist
The US is pushing Morocco’s autonomy plan as the negotiation framework, consistent with October’s UN Security Council Resolution 2797.
However, the Polisario Front and Algeria reject any solution excluding self-determination.
Symbolic sticking points
Divergences extend to administrative status and identity questions.
Morocco’s plan would reportedly deny official recognition of a Sahrawi identity with flags or an anthem—a restriction Sahrawi representatives vehemently oppose.
Cembrero notes that US states like California have regional symbols while remaining fully integrated.
Talks continue behind closed doors through Tuesday.