UN confirms Washington talks on Sahara as de Mistura keeps details confidential

Speaking at the daily press briefing in New York, Dujarric said the discussions focus on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted last year.

He declined to provide operational details or a timeline, stating,”those talks are ongoing in Washington D.C. with Ambassador Michael Waltz as the other co-chair. In order to give these negotiations, the best chance for success, Mr. de Mistura plans to remain mum for the time being.”

Dujarric said the participants are the same as those who attended earlier discussions in Madrid, signaling continuity in the diplomatic format without elaborating further.

The confirmation comes amid renewed US diplomatic engagement aimed at reviving the stalled political process. Resolution 2797 reaffirmed the need for a realistic, pragmatic and durable political solution based on compromise, and reiterated the role of the roundtable format involving Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario Front.

While the UN has framed the Washington meetings strictly within the resolution’s implementation, Moroccan analysts view the US involvement as an attempt to inject momentum into a process that has struggled to advance in recent months.

Idriss Lagrini, a professor of international relations, told Hespress the talks align with Washington’s longstanding recognition of Morocco’s autonomy proposal as a serious and credible basis for negotiation. He argued that continued US oversight could help clarify implementation parameters and encourage engagement from all parties.

Lahcen Aqartit, another researcher, said the convening of the same four parties reflects adherence to the roundtable framework endorsed by the Security Council, adding that US co-chairmanship signals high-level political commitment.

No timetable for conclusions has been announced, and UN officials stressed that confidentiality remains essential as consultations continue.