In a significant diplomatic development, the United States convened clandestine negotiations between key stakeholders in the long-standing Western Sahara conflict at its embassy in Madrid. High-level delegations from Morocco, Mauritania, Algeria, and the Polisario Front gathered under American supervision on Sunday, marking a notable escalation of U.S. involvement in the regional dispute.
The discussions, facilitated by Donald Trump’s African affairs adviser Massad Boulos and UN Ambassador Michael Waltz, focused on Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara – a plan previously endorsed by the UN Security Council but rejected by the Sahrawi independence movement. The Polisario Front maintains its demand for a self-determination referendum as outlined in historical UN resolutions, while the U.S. administration has explicitly ruled out independence options.
This meeting represents the second phase of negotiations initiated in Washington during late January, with proceedings intended to remain confidential until revealed by investigative journalist Ignacio Cembrero. According to reports, American diplomats requested substantial revisions to Morocco’s initial autonomy proposal, resulting in an expanded 40-page document forming the basis for current discussions.
The geopolitical context surrounding these talks reveals complex international dynamics. Morocco stands as Africa’s primary purchaser of American military equipment with $8.5 billion in contracts anticipated for 2025, while the U.S. previously recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in exchange for Morocco establishing formal diplomatic relations with Israel. European powers including Spain and France have subsequently endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan, further isolating the Polisario position.
Human rights concerns persist in the background, with reports of repression against Sahrawi activists in Moroccan-controlled territories and challenging living conditions for refugees in Algerian camps. The territory remains listed by the UN as Non-Self-Governing, often described as Africa’s last colony due to its unresolved status since the 1975 invasion following Spain’s withdrawal.
Algeria’s participation in these U.S.-brokered talks signals potential diplomatic shifts, as the nation has historically supported the Polisario Front. This development, combined with increased American engagement described as an ‘absolute priority’ by U.S. officials, suggests potential movement toward resolving one of Africa’s most protracted territorial disputes.