After nearly half a century of tensions, rivalries, and political confrontations, the Western Sahara issue now seems to be entering a positive diplomatic turning point, bringing a long-awaited sense of hope to a region trapped for decades in division and mistrust.
In recent weeks, encouraging signals have emerged through the statements of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who confirmed that Morocco and Algeria are nearing a preliminary understanding expected within the next two months, through American mediation aimed at achieving a definitive settlement to one of Africa’s oldest disputes.
Witkoff reiterated that the Moroccan autonomy proposal, presented in 2007, represents “the most realistic and credible solution” according to Washington and a growing number of Western and Arab capitals.
A Shift in Attitudes
Today, the Polisario Front appears more open to dialogue than ever before, having realized that the regional and international context can no longer sustain a prolonged conflict.
Meanwhile, Algeria, long seen as the main political and diplomatic backer of the movement, has shown a cautious openness to U.S. mediation, signaling its willingness to return to diplomacy after years of tension.
For its part, Morocco continues to reaffirm its commitment to a solution based on broad autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.
Toward a Realistic and Balanced Solution
The tone of the discourse has clearly changed:
It is no longer one of confrontation or mutual accusations, but rather a search for an honorable and practical outcome for all parties.
More and more actors now agree that this conflict has produced neither winners nor losers, and that only a mutually beneficial and pragmatic solution can guarantee lasting stability and prosperity in the region.
The increase in diplomatic initiatives, the expanding recognition of Morocco’s autonomy plan, and the readiness of the parties to resume dialogue all point toward a new phase of de-escalation that could open the door to a genuine Maghreb renewal based on cooperation rather than rivalry.
After decades of distrust and missed opportunities, reason finally seems to prevail.
Regional and international actors now recognize that a negotiated peace is the only viable path, and that Maghreb development cannot occur without ending this historic dispute.
The road ahead remains long, but the direction is now clear — one of dialogue, realism, and reconciliation.
What once seemed impossible can, with sincere political will, become a new reality where the Sahara ceases to divide and instead becomes a bridge toward a shared future.
Après des décennies de méfiance et d’occasions manquées, la raison semble enfin prendre le dessus.
Les acteurs régionaux et internationaux prennent conscience que la paix négociée est la seule voie durable, et que le développement du Maghreb passe inévitablement par la fin de ce différend historique.
Le chemin reste long, mais le cap est désormais clair : celui du dialogue, du réalisme et de la réconciliation.
Ce qui paraissait hier impossible peut, avec une volonté politique sincère, devenir une réalité nouvelle où le Sahara cesse d’être une fracture, pour redevenir un pont vers l’avenir.
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