The Western Sahara issue is back in the spotlight as a new round of negotiations is set to take place in Washington on February 23 and 24, 2026. This event follows a recent meeting at the U.S. embassy in Madrid and represents a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in the conflict. Key players in the negotiation, including Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front, are expected to participate in closed-door discussions, illustrating the direct engagement of the White House in seeking a resolution to the longstanding dispute.

Riccardo Fabiani, the North Africa director at the International Crisis Group, emphasizes the importance of finding a compromise regarding self-determination for the Western Sahara region, which remains a contested territory. The outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications, not only for the involved nations but also for regional stability and international relations in North Africa. The U.S.'s role as a mediator could shift the dynamics of the negotiation process and influence the potential for a peaceful resolution.

This renewed push for dialogue highlights the complexities surrounding self-determination rights and geopolitical interests in the region. The involvement of major powers like the United States suggests that the fate of Western Sahara will continue to be a focal point in international diplomacy, with the potential for significant developments based on the outcomes of the upcoming negotiations in Washington.