Officially, Algeria continues to present itself as a mere «observer» in the Sahara issue. In reality, however, the facts tell a different story, one that reinforces Morocco's long-standing belief that Algiers is an active party to the conflict. The October nights have been short and restless for Amar Bendjama and Ahmed Attaf, and for good reason. The Western Sahara issue continues to dominate Algerian diplomacy, as reflected in the flurry of recent initiatives and contacts undertaken by the foreign minister. A closer look at this diplomatic activity reveals Algiers' behind-the-scenes orchestration, despite its repeated insistence that it merely supports the Polisario Front's «right to self-determination». On October 21, Ahmed Attaf met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. According to a statement from Moscow, the two officials discussed the UN Security Council's work program, currently under Russian presidency, and emphasized the importance of advancing the process to resolve the Sahara conflict. This meeting is part of Algiers' broader diplomatic push to rally Moscow behind its stance and potentially secure a Russian veto against a forthcoming UN resolution endorsing Morocco's autonomy plan. Attaf's efforts have been supported at the highest levels, with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Army Chief of Staff General Saïd Chengriha both engaging in parallel outreach. On October 23, Attaf held talks with Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot on bilateral cooperation, a conversation that notably coincided with Brussels' official recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara and the primacy of its autonomy plan. The announcement provoked irritation in Algiers, though it stopped short of recalling its ambassador, as it had done with Madrid and Paris in previous diplomatic spats. Algeria Confirms Moroccan Accusations As the Security Council vote on MINURSO's mandate renewal draws near, Attaf has also intensified his outreach in Asia. On October 29, he spoke with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, focusing on key issues on the Council's agenda, including what Algiers continues to call the «decolonization of Western Sahara». That same day, Attaf held a phone conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar to discuss «strengthening bilateral coordination» within the Council, where Pakistan currently holds a non-permanent seat. These diplomatic moves underscore the central role of the Sahara dispute in Algerian foreign policy. During the 80th UN General Assembly session, Attaf reportedly raised the issue in nearly every meeting he held in New York. Behind its carefully maintained image as a «neutral observer», Algeria operates as a direct, strategic player, working to shape outcomes on the Sahara file. Its actions give weight to Morocco's long-standing accusations that Algiers is indeed a party to the conflict, while the Polisario Front remains passive, executing orders from its patron.
