Morocco Sahara group hails US-UN meeting as chance to revive talks

The Sahrawis for Peace movement (MSP) welcomed the meeting between UN envoy Staffan de Mistura and U.S. presidential adviser on African affairs, Massad Boulos, during the latter’s recent regional tour, including Algeria.

 The group called the encounter a “critical turning point” for efforts to revive the stalled Sahara political process.

In a statement from its media committee, MSP said the talks gave de Mistura direct access to Washington’s position, stressing that the United States is a “pivotal actor” without which no settlement can move forward. “Understanding between the two parties is a foundation to build upon after years of paralysis,” the statement read.

MSP acknowledged U.S. criticism of the UN mission MINURSO, operating since 1991 without achieving a final settlement. Rising doubts about its effectiveness and cost, it argued, highlight the need for fresh political impetus.

The movement reaffirmed confidence in the joint capacity of de Mistura and Washington to relaunch negotiations toward a “realistic, consensual and lasting solution, based on a no-winner, no-loser approach,” adding that only such a compromise could end a five-decade conflict undermining regional stability.

MSP reiterated readiness to play a “third way” role, bridging trust between parties and contributing to a fair and final peace for North-West Africa.

Speaking to Hespress, MSP first secretary Haj Ahmed Barikalla said: “The meeting between the UN envoy and the U.S. adviser represents a qualitative and important development in the search for a peaceful settlement of the Sahara conflict.”

He said the exchange allowed de Mistura to gauge the Biden administration’s renewed seriousness after Boulos’s North Africa tour, including Algeria. According to Barikalla, Washington’s openness to Morocco’s “advanced autonomy” formula is a motivating factor for de Mistura to pursue his mission with “new vigor and determination” and a clear U.S. commitment to enforce any future deal.

Barikalla added that breaking the deadlock requires expanding consultations beyond traditional actors to include Sahrawis for Peace and tribal elders. The first priority, he stressed, must be ensuring full respect for the ceasefire, the “essential entry point” for any credible process.

“The preservation of peace and protection of lives is the primary condition for launching real negotiations that can end suffering and restore stability,” he said.