High-level delegations from Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front concluded two days of direct talks in Madrid on February 9, 2026, marking the first such meeting since 2019 and a rare public encounter between Moroccan and Algerian officials following a diplomatic rupture in 2021. The discussions, facilitated by the United States and co-hosted with the United Nations, centered on the disputed territory of Western Sahara and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2797.
The meetings, held at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, were chaired by U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz, with UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara Staffan de Mistura also in attendance, according to reports. The participation of Algeria and Mauritania as full parties in the negotiations represents a shift from their previous role as regional observers, a position they maintained although asserting that the Western Sahara issue is a matter of decolonization between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
A key development in the Madrid talks was the presentation of a revised autonomy plan for Western Sahara by Morocco. The modern proposal, a detailed 40-page document, expands upon a previous, briefer plan offered in 2007, aiming to provide a more concrete basis for negotiations. Moroccan officials have reportedly claimed that the revised plan was accepted as the sole framework for future discussions. Although, Algerian and Polisario sources have disputed this assertion, stating that Morocco made limited concessions under U.S. Pressure and that the emerging contours of a potential settlement bear resemblance to a 2003 UN plan.
The 2003 UN plan, referenced by Algerian and Polisario sources, envisioned a transitional period of autonomy for Western Sahara followed by a self-determination referendum that would include the option of independence. Morocco currently rejects any referendum that includes independence as an option, maintaining that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty constitutes an acceptable expression of self-determination. This fundamental disagreement remains a significant obstacle to a resolution.
The U.S. Has taken a leading role in mediating the talks, with the UN formally co-hosting but playing a secondary role. This increased U.S. Involvement is intended to accelerate progress toward a settlement, according to analysts. The meetings follow increased U.S. Diplomatic engagement in the region, signaling a renewed focus on resolving the decades-long conflict. The conflict stems from Spain’s withdrawal from Western Sahara in 1975, which led to a war between Morocco and the Polisario Front, representing the Sahrawi people, until a ceasefire in 1991.
While initial reports suggested agreement on establishing a committee of legal and policy experts from all parties to work on a framework agreement for discussion in a second round in May, other sources indicate that no such decision was formally reached. The outcome of the Madrid talks remains largely unclear, with all sides attempting to portray the outcome favorably. The dispute has also contributed to a closed border between Morocco and Algeria since 1994.
Western Sahara is often referred to as Africa’s last colony and is listed by the United Nations as a Non-Self-Governing Territory. The U.S. Mediation may also seek regional security cooperation and limit the influence of China and Russia, though this has not been officially endorsed, according to reports.
