Biden nominates «Mr. Sahara» Harris as new US ambassador to Algeria

President Joe Biden has proposed appointing Deputy Secretary of State for North Africa, Joshua Harris, as the new US Ambassador to Algeria, according to a White House press release.

Harris, known as a key figure on the Western Sahara issue within the Biden administration, is expected to succeed Ambassador Elizabeth Moore Aubin, who has held the position since February 9, 2022. His nomination will now be considered by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Harris is familiar with Algeria and its foreign policy officials. He visited the country twice in 2023, in September and December, as part of a broader North African tour aimed at reviving the political process for the Western Sahara conflict. In September, he also visited the Tindouf camps and met with the Polisario leader.