A Turning Point in Washington’s Position on the Moroccan Sahara: Clear Support and Embarrassing Algerian Silence

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Abdellah Mechnoune

In what has been described as a turning point in the Moroccan Sahara issue, Washington has once again affirmed its full support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as a realistic and lasting solution to the fabricated regional conflict. Meanwhile, Algeria remains silent in the face of these developments, with no notable diplomatic reaction.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita appeared smiling and confident after a closed-door meeting with his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio in Washington—an

image widely interpreted as a clear diplomatic message of unprecedented American support for Morocco’s stance.

Official Support and Direct Instructions

Diplomatic sources revealed that the U.S. Secretary of State directly ordered the summoning of UN envoy to the Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, to officially inform him of the renewed American position and urge the immediate start of serious negotiations based on Morocco’s proposal as “the only final solution.”

This position aligns with the U.S. policy shift initiated under former President Donald Trump in 2020, when the U.S. officially recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.

A Change in UN Discourse

At the same time, leaked excerpts from a report by MINURSO chief Alexander Ivanko, a Russian national, praised Morocco’s full cooperation and highlighted “systematic obstacles” posed by the Polisario Front east of the security wall.

The UN also announced the permanent closure of the UNHCR office in the Tindouf camps, meaning, according to international law experts, that the camp residents are no longer considered refugees but permanent residents on Algerian soil—a significant shift in the UN’s handling of the file.

U.S. Congressional Move to Classify Polisario as Terrorist Group

In a remarkable development, Republican Congressman Joe Wilson announced on X that he is preparing legislation to designate the Algerian-backed Polisario Front as a terrorist organization, citing its involvement in arms trafficking and organized crime in the Sahel.

The move is expected to stir significant diplomatic debate, especially as Algeria faces growing international isolation due to its continued support for the separatist group.

Unusual Algerian Silence

Contrary to its usual stance, Algeria has so far issued no official protest, limiting itself to a brief statement acknowledging the U.S. position without any escalation—no recall of ambassadors, no emergency meetings, not even a sharp-toned press release.

Analysts believe this muted response stems from Algeria’s lack of leverage over Washington, unlike its ties with European countries that rely on Algerian gas—something the U.S. does not import.

Towards a Final Resolution

All signs indicate that the Moroccan Sahara file is steadily heading toward a final resolution in favor of Morocco’s sovereignty, amid growing international support and declining global endorsement of the Polisario.

Observers suggest the coming phase may witness the emergence of a broader international consensus recognizing Moroccan sovereignty and ending one of Africa’s longest-running fabricated conflicts.

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