Morocco has unveiled a comprehensive plan for the autonomy of Western Sahara, positioning it as a preferable solution over full independence. The Moroccan proposal reportedly takes inspiration from existing autonomous regions like Catalonia and Greenland, suggesting a potential framework for governance that allows for local self-determination while remaining under Moroccan sovereignty. This strategic move aligns with a broader narrative of autonomy being a feasible middle ground in resolving territorial disputes.

The announcement of this autonomy plan comes at a time when the United States has ramped up its diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the Western Sahara conflict, which has persisted for over fifty years. According to sources from the Spanish online portal "El Confidencial", American diplomats have marked the resolution of this dispute as a high priority, pushing for the involved parties to agree on a framework in Washington within a three-month timeframe. This reflects growing international attention to the issue, as diplomatic engagement intensifies towards finding a collaborative resolution.

The meeting that initiated these discussions took place at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, marking the first direct negotiations since 2019. Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita presented the autonomy proposal during these talks, in the presence of key representatives from Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front. With the U.S. playing a crucial mediating role, the outcome of these negotiations could significantly influence the political landscape of the Western Sahara region and its future governance.