MADRID, Spain — The United States has hosted another round of Western Sahara talks in Madrid, marking the third meeting in less than a month as Washington pushes for momentum in one of Africa’s longest-running territorial disputes. The latest discussions were led by Massad Boulos, U.S. President Donald Trump’s Africa envoy, according to Africanews and other reports. The renewed diplomacy is taking place at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid and involves Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario Front, the movement seeking independence for Western Sahara. Bloomberg reported earlier this month that U.S. and U.N. officials facilitated direct talks among the parties, an unusual format given the depth of regional tensions.
Analysts say Washington appears to be aiming for a breakthrough by spring, while also trying to reinforce ties with Morocco, a longstanding U.S. ally. Africanews, citing Spanish journalist Ignacio Cembrero, said Trump is seeking to strengthen his image as a “peace president” while backing Rabat’s position in the dispute.At the center of the negotiations is Morocco’s autonomy proposal, which the U.N. Security Council referenced in Resolution 2797 (2025). The resolution, adopted on October 31, 2025, calls on the parties to engage in discussions “without preconditions” and to use Morocco’s autonomy proposal as a basis for talks.
That framework, however, remains deeply contested. The Polisario Front and Algeria reject any settlement that excludes self-determination, and Reuters reported after the resolution’s adoption that Polisario opposed negotiations conducted solely on Moroccan terms. Beyond sovereignty, disagreements reportedly extend to identity and governance issues. Africanews said Sahrawi representatives object to limits tied to Morocco’s autonomy model, including concerns over whether a distinct Sahrawi political identity, including symbols such as a flag or anthem would be formally recognized.
The Madrid process reflects a significant diplomatic shift since the Security Council’s 2025 vote, which Reuters and AP described as a major win for Morocco’s autonomy-first approach. But despite the intensified U.S. push, the core divide remains unchanged: Morocco insists on autonomy under its sovereignty, while Polisario continues to demand a path to self-determination.
For now, the frequency of the meetings signals urgency — but not yet consensus.
