The categorical refusal displayed by the Polisario Front barely conceals the internal tensions sparked by Resolution 2797. Caught between the fear of American sanctions and pressure from Algiers, the leaders of the movement are seeking a way out of the crisis without publicly abandoning their rhetoric of resistance. Mere hours after the adoption of Resolution 2797, the Polisario Front swiftly dismissed it, labeling it a "dangerous and unprecedented deviation." The Front declared unequivocally that it "will not engage in any political process or negotiations based on 'proposals' that aim to 'legitimize' the unlawful military occupation of the Sahara." The following day, Brahim Ghali defended this stance in a closed meeting with his supporters. However, insights from Said Zarwal, a Polisario member based in Sweden and a fervent advocate for the territory's independence, reveal a starkly different internal narrative concerning Resolution 2797. "The discussions centered on managing the fallout from this resolution. Various proposals were considered, including military escalation, but consensus on this approach was not reached," Zarwal disclosed. Zarwal noted that debates focused on how to respond if Donald Trump extended an invitation to the Front for future negotiations. "Opinions varied on this matter: some officials supported participation, arguing it was crucial to avoid potential 'American sanctions' if talks based on the Moroccan autonomy plan were refused." In contrast, a minority advocated rejecting President Trump's offer, aligning with the October 31 statement. However, this stance did not garner majority support within the leadership. Navigating Internal Dynamics and Algiers' Pressure The meeting also tackled internal communication challenges, particularly "how to persuade activists who might question the contradiction between the official boycott stance and participation in U.S.-sponsored negotiations." Following this meeting, the Polisario's "Foreign Minister," Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, traveled to Algiers to strategize for upcoming political and diplomatic developments regarding the Sahara issue with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf. Beyond internal dynamics, the Polisario must also navigate pressure from Algiers, which is increasingly concerned about its growing isolation on the global stage. It's worth noting that Said Zarwal previously made headlines in January when he revealed that the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) had reclaimed 40 km² of land east of the Sand Wall, which the Polisario had regarded as "liberated territories." It was only last October that Brahim Ghali officially acknowledged this reality in a letter to the UN Secretary-General.
