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Towards autonomy for the Sahara; a dynamic underway
April 28, 2025

The autonomy proposal put forward by Morocco in April 2007 as the unique basis for settling the dispute over the Moroccan Sahara is gradually gaining international recognition. Although rejected by Algeria and the polisario, the Initiative has enjoyed broad international support since its launch, particularly from the United States and France, who have reaffirmed their support for Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara region. On April 8, 2025, the United States reiterated its position by calling on the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, to work on the basis of this Initiative. This position opens up a real opportunity to achieve a lasting settlement. In this context, the planned tour by Mr. Massad Boulos, advisor to the US President on African and Middle Eastern affairs, aims to accelerate the process and encourage Algeria to become actively involved in this dynamic. The joint commitment of Washington and Paris to relaunching the settlement process requires time, consistency and, above all, a sincere political will on the part of Algeria and the polisario to commit to a logic of peace and compromise. The current situation offers an unprecedented window of opportunity for a definitive settlement of the conflict. For the first time, an initiative led by the United States and supported by a favorable international context is proposing a realistic, lasting solution that respects Morocco's legitimate rights. This pivotal moment could mark a decisive turning point in the history of the region.

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