Madrid Hosts Crucial Talks on Western Sahara’s Future
– A new phase of negotiations regarding the future of Western Sahara is underway in Madrid, Spain, with representatives from Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front gathering at the U.S. Embassy. This marks a significant shift in diplomatic efforts, representing the first such meeting in this format since 1975, when Morocco’s Green March led to Spain’s withdrawal from the region.
The United States is spearheading this renewed push for a resolution, aiming to break the decades-long deadlock over the disputed territory. According to sources close to the organization of the meetings, the U.S. Has imposed these “secret and highly sensitive” negotiations, signaling a determined effort to find a lasting solution.
The talks are taking place against a backdrop of increasing international attention, with UN representatives and senior American diplomats also expected to participate. The UN Security Council’s resolution adopted in October, which identifies autonomy as the most realistic path forward, is serving as the foundation for these discussions. The U.S. Is reportedly ramping up diplomatic pressure on all parties involved to engage constructively.
Spain’s role as host is noteworthy, given its historical ties to Western Sahara as a former colony. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares is scheduled to hold separate meetings with his counterparts from Algeria and Mauritania, though details of the broader multilateral meeting remain confidential. This confidentiality has only heightened interest in the outcome of the discussions.
Morocco has reportedly presented a significantly expanded autonomy plan during the negotiations. What was initially a three-page proposal in 2007 has now grown into a detailed document of approximately 40 pages, demonstrating a commitment to finding a viable solution. This development comes at the request of the United States, France, and UN Special Representative for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura.
The negotiation process is being led by Massad Boulos, President Donald Trump’s envoy to Africa, alongside U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Michael Waltz. Boulos has stated that resolving the Western Sahara conflict is a “top priority” for the Trump administration, emphasizing the importance of basing negotiations on the October UN Security Council resolution.
The participation of Algeria and the Polisario Front is particularly significant, as it represents a direct engagement that has been absent for many years. The talks are seen as an opportunity to address long-standing tensions and explore potential pathways to a peaceful resolution. The United States has also urged Algeria to participate in the new round of talks, according to recent reports.
While the specifics of the discussions remain closely guarded, the stakes are high. The outcome of these negotiations could have a profound impact on the stability of North Africa and Europe’s southern borders, as well as the future of the Sahrawi people.
