us diplomat meets sahrawi peace leaders in el aaiún to discuss western Sahara
A high-level meeting took place in El Aaiún between the U.S. embassy’s political counselor and representatives of the Sahrawi Peace Movement, marking a new phase in efforts to address the Western Sahara conflict.
The gathering, held at the residence of Mohamed Lemine Nafa, a member of the Sahrawi Peace Movement’s Permanent Political Commission, was organized at the request of the U.S. diplomatic mission. It brought together key leaders and members of the organization.
During the discussions, representatives of the Sahrawi Peace Movement outlined the group’s organizational progress over the past six years and presented their framework for resolving the conflict. They also addressed questions from the American delegation regarding the current state of the Western Sahara issue.
In a significant development, the movement’s leaders emphasized the need to integrate their organization into the United Nations-backed negotiation process. They argued that the movement represents a legitimate platform uniting Sahrawi voices dedicated to achieving a peaceful political solution. The leaders stressed that any negotiation aimed at a lasting resolution must include all segments of Sahrawi society.
The U.S. political counselor conveyed Washington’s strong commitment to ending the prolonged deadlock in the region. He reiterated America’s opposition to maintaining the status quo and emphasized support for initiatives that can revive political negotiations toward a definitive solution.
The American diplomat praised the Sahrawi Peace Movement, describing it as a proactive and constructive voice within the Sahrawi community. He underscored the importance his country places on backing Sahrawi stakeholders who advocate for agreements ensuring regional stability and security. The diplomat highlighted how such efforts could unlock diplomatic progress, moving away from the confrontational dynamics that have hindered previous attempts at resolution.
This meeting follows a recent interaction where a delegation from the movement met with the permanent representatives of the U.S., France, and the U.K. at the United Nations in New York.
The timing of this meeting coincides with the upcoming session of the United Nations Security Council, which will review the implementation of Resolution 2797—a document that has garnered international consensus in favor of advancing a political and peaceful solution to the Western Sahara question.