In recent developments, Washington has accused the Polisario Front of obstructing negotiations concerning Western Sahara, leaving the door open for a potential shift in political stance following a series of attacks claimed by the group against areas under Moroccan control. This information has been reported by various media outlets from neighboring countries. The United States has expressed its frustration regarding the blockades that hinder the resumption of dialogue about the Sahara, which had been revitalized in February under the auspices of the United Nations. This position was articulated by the U.S. ambassador to Morocco, Duke Buchan, during his meeting in Rabat with Alexander Ivanko, the UN Secretary-General's special representative and head of MINURSO.
Ambassador Buchan stated, "The recent acts of violence committed by the Polisario have sparked strong international condemnation, and their ongoing refusal to engage seriously in negotiations regarding the future of the Sahrawi people jeopardizes the progress that has been made." He emphasized the need for partners willing to negotiate for a better future.
On the eve of this announcement, the Polisario's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mohamed Yeslam Beissat, had attributed the delay in organizing a new round of talks to the Trump administration, claiming, "To date, we still do not have a date for the next round and have not received any invitation," during an interview.
These comments from Duke Buchan highlight the existing divergences between Washington and Tindouf concerning the approach to resolving the conflict. While the United States reaffirms its support for Morocco's autonomy initiative, the head of the Polisario's diplomacy defends a radically different interpretation. Beissat asserted, "We are participating in the implementation of resolution 2797, which does not undermine the right to self-determination of the Sahrawi people."
The persistence of these discrepancies fuels fears of a renewed stalemate in the process. Members of the Polisario have already launched projectiles at Smara on three occasions—in October and November 2023, and again in June 2025—as well as against El Mahbes in November 2024, without provoking a significant response from major international powers thus far.
As reported by larazon.es.
