Massad Boulos rejects reports of dismissal over Moroccan Sahara, calls claims 'false'

U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos has rejected reports claiming he is being removed from his position over his handling of the Moroccan Sahara file, describing the allegations as “completely false.”

The denial came after media outlets supportive of the Polisario Front circulated reports alleging that Boulos would leave his current role to become the U.S. ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

The reports claimed the proposed move reflected dissatisfaction in Washington with his handling of several regional files, including the Moroccan Sahara, Libya and Sudan.

In a statement posted on X, Boulos dismissed the claims. “Media outlets are reporting untrue rumors claiming that I am seeking an ambassadorial post. I am not going anywhere,” he wrote.

Boulos said it remains “an honor and a privilege” to serve under President Donald Trump as senior advisor for Arab and African affairs, adding that he remains fully committed to advancing the president’s peace initiatives across Africa and the Arab world.

He said his work focuses on resolving conflicts, saving lives and promoting prosperity across the region, adding that reports suggesting otherwise were based on “uninformed speculation or deliberate falsehoods.”

The reports originated from media outlets affiliated with the Polisario Front, which claimed Boulos was expected to be appointed ambassador to the United Arab Emirates instead of Saudi Arabia, portraying the move as a sign of dissatisfaction with his diplomatic performance.

The reports also alleged that his political influence in Washington stemmed primarily from his family ties to the White House rather than diplomatic achievements.

Since taking office, Boulos has repeatedly reaffirmed Washington’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, maintaining the U.S. position first announced during President Donald Trump’s previous administration in 2020.