The United States has organized a crucial round of negotiations in Madrid concerning the future of Western Sahara, set to take place on February 8, involving key stakeholders Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front. This meeting represents a follow-up to talks that commenced in Washington at the end of January, indicating a continued commitment from the U.S. to mediate in this long-standing regional conflict.

The negotiations were initially intended to be confidential; however, details were leaked in the Spanish press, with the newspaper El Confidencial reporting on the upcoming discussions. The gathering will take place at the U.S. embassy in Spain, highlighting the strategic role of the United States in addressing contentious issues in North Africa, particularly in relation to the dynamics between Morocco and Algeria over Western Sahara.

By bringing together these parties in Madrid, the U.S. aims to foster dialogue and create a pathway towards a peaceful resolution for Western Sahara, which has been a point of contention for decades. The involvement of multiple nations in these discussions underscores the international dimensions of the issue, as any resolution will likely require collaboration not only between the immediate parties but also with broader geopolitical interests at play in the region.