DR ‹ › An analysis published by American policy institute, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, on Tuesday argues that Washington must tread carefully in its renewed efforts to resolve the Western Sahara dispute, particularly in its approach toward Algeria. The authors note that the recent U.S.-facilitated talks, led by President Donald Trump's envoy Massad Boulos and U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz, represent «an unprecedented shift away from the interminable UN-led search for a political settlement to the Western Sahara conflict». The analysts describe bringing Algeria to the negotiating table as «a significant feat», despite the latter still «insisting on 'regional observer' status and that it is not party to the conflict». According to the study, it would be «misleading» to frame a potential resolution solely around U.S. pressure on Algiers, namely threats to sanction Algeria over weapons dealings with Russia and to list the Polisario as a terrorist organisation. Instead, the authors argue that Washington secured Algeria's participation by recognizing its «unique position and priorities», adding that maintaining this approach will be essential to ensure its continued and meaningful involvement. They also underline what they describe as Algiers' deep sensitivity regarding border security, arguing that a future roadmap based on Morocco's autonomy proposal should include guarantees that Algeria's borders are not perceived as being at risk. The authors conclude that continued U.S. engagement should remain discreet and inclusive, maintaining that keeping all parties, particularly Algeria, at the table by addressing their core concerns will be «key to yielding results». Just months after the recent resolution on Western Sahara, talks on the territorial dispute were held twice, bringing the four parties to the table. After a meeting in Madrid on February 8–9 at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Morocco, Algeria, the Polisario, and Mauritania met again on February 23–24 in the United States. These negotiations are co-chaired by Staffan de Mistura, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General. According to information obtained by Yabiladi, the latest round helped narrow disagreements between the parties and is progressing «slowly but steadily», with the aim of reaching a framework agreement in the coming months.
