Staffan de Mistura’s regional tour and U.S. pressure on Algeria appear to be bearing fruit. The Polisario is launching a communications campaign aimed at preparing Sahrawis to accept negotiations on Morocco’s autonomy plan.
Morocco has secured a new wave of diplomatic backing for its sovereignty over the Sahara and its autonomy plan, following a series of meetings led by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat. Madagascar’s renewed support stands out as a notable gain in Southern Africa, a region traditionally influenced by Pretoria and the Polisario’s closest allies.
Washington is accusing the Polisario of blocking talks on the Sahara and is raising the prospect of a tougher political stance after several claimed attacks on areas under Moroccan control.