Sahara Turning Point: Polisario Faces Morocco’s Autonomy Plan

On February 26, 2026, during a commemorative speech, the leader of the separatist front addressed the acceleration of international talks. Ghali acknowledged the direct involvement of Washington and the UN in seeking a final settlement. Although he reiterated his traditional positions on independence, he now faces a diplomatic framework profoundly reshaped by Security Council Resolution 2797, which endorses the autonomy proposal submitted by Rabat since 2007.

On Bladi.net : Western Sahara Referendum Ends: Algeria Faces a Major Political Reversal

Operationally, the UN has confirmed that new working sessions will be held in Washington. Special envoy Staffan de Mistura is working closely with US Ambassador Michael Waltz to oversee these discussions. This phase follows the high-level meetings held in Madrid on February 8 and 9, where the foreign ministers of Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania gathered to discuss the Moroccan initiative under American-UN co-chairmanship.

On Bladi.net : Sahara Talks: Washington Pushes Morocco and Algeria Toward a Swift Deal

To preserve the chances of success for this mediation, the United Nations imposed a temporary media blackout on the details of the discussions. This round of negotiations, characterized by absolute discretion, marks a historic turning point, as the international community now favors a realistic political solution. Brahim Ghali used his address to commend Algeria, his main ally, while referring for the first time to his aspiration for lasting peace with the Kingdom.