Making Waves: Recent US Diplomatic Shift on Western Sahara

Frozen in time in refugee camps in South West Algeria, and spread across the world in diaspora, the Saharawis have continued to be active in the preservation of their culture and in their fight for self determination. As of February 2026, there has been a change in the course of their cause, led by a United States diplomatic initiative.

The initiative aims to resolve the Western Sahara conflict, by shifting away from the traditional UN-led process. Through hosting recent talks in Madrid with Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania, the conversation has taken a turn in a new direction.

One of the most noteworthy achievements of the 2026 Madrid talks was the engagement of Algeria in the negotiations. This is a significant development, as Algeria has long remained the stance as a regional observer. While there are continued concerns for sanctions, ultimately lasting progress will require that the US acknowledge Algeria's deep ideological commitment to self-determination, its support for the Polisario amid declining international recognition for the SADR, and Algeria’s acute sensitivity regarding border security with Morocco.

2025 Marked 50 years since the displacement of the Saharawi people from their homelands in Western Sahara. 50 years of military occupation, with out resolution, with out justice, and without action.

Despite the unmet UN promise of a referendum since 1975, the Saharawis remain determined in their pursuit of justice.

Rather than pushing for a binding referendum, led by the UN, the Madrid talks introduced a much needed dialogue with the Saharawi population itself, including the refugees in Tindouf, Algeria. Ultimately, the success of this dialogue will hinge upon continuing to include Algeria alongside Saharawi Voices, addressing core concerns, and keeping future negotiations discreet to build trust among all parties.

We hope that the inclusion of Algeria as a member of the discussion will support the Saharawi voices and leadership, increase international recognition of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, and ultimately result in justice for the Saharawi people.

Read more about this major international update here:

A Western Sahara Resolution Requires Meaningful Engagement with Algeria ‍ ‍
Original Article by Souhire Medini and Sabina Hennenberg