The ongoing issue of Western Sahara is the focus of a new round of negotiations set to take place in Washington from February 23 to 24, 2026. This comes as the United States accelerates diplomatic efforts, with Massad Boulos, the U.S. envoy for Africa under President Donald Trump, bringing together representatives from Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front in the U.S. capital. This initiative follows a previous meeting held at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, demonstrating the U.S.'s commitment to finding a resolution to a conflict that has persisted for nearly fifty years.

The closed-door diplomatic meetings in Washington indicate a significant direct involvement by the White House in addressing the Western Sahara issue, a territory that has long been contested between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which seeks independence. Despite the U.S. efforts to mediate, substantial differences in positions remain between Rabat (Morocco), the Polisario Front, and Algeria, complicating the potential for a breakthrough in negotiations. The current series of talks is the third in a month, highlighting an intensified U.S. push to reach an agreement, likely aimed for completion by the end of spring.

As these discussions unfold, the implications for regional stability in North Africa are considerable. The Western Sahara conflict has led to prolonged tensions and sporadic violence, impacting Morocco's relationships with neighboring nations and fueling nationalistic sentiments within the disputed territory. A successful outcome from these negotiations could not only provide clarity over the future of Western Sahara but also reshape the diplomatic landscape in the region, fostering greater cooperation or potentially leading to increased tensions depending on the reception of the agreement by involved parties and their respective populations.