us diplomat meets sahrawi peace activists in laayoune
A high-level meeting unfolded in Laayoune on July 28, 2026, as the political advisor from the United States Embassy in Morocco engaged with leaders from the Sahrawis for Peace movement. This bilateral dialogue focused on exploring new avenues to address the long-standing Western Sahara conflict.
Diplomatic engagement in Laayoune
The meeting, held at the residence of Mohamed Lemine Nafa—a member of the Sahrawis for Peace Permanent Political Commission—was initiated by the U.S. diplomatic mission and brought together key figures from the movement.
During the discussions, representatives of Sahrawis for Peace outlined the organization’s six-year journey, presenting their vision for resolving the conflict. They also addressed queries from the American delegation regarding the current state of the Western Sahara dossier.
Advocating for inclusive negotiations
The Sahrawi leaders underscored the urgent need to integrate Sahrawis for Peace into the United Nations-sponsored negotiation process. They argued that the movement represents a legitimate platform uniting Sahrawi voices committed to a peaceful political solution. Emphasizing inclusivity, they stressed that any negotiation process must incorporate all Sahrawi representations and stakeholders to achieve a lasting resolution.
American commitment to a political solution
The U.S. political advisor conveyed Washington’s strong interest in resolving the conflict to break the current deadlock. He reiterated U.S. opposition to maintaining the status quo and reaffirmed support for initiatives aimed at revitalizing the political process toward a definitive solution.
The diplomat praised Sahrawis for Peace, describing it as an active and committed Sahrawi voice advocating for negotiated solutions. He highlighted the importance the U.S. places on supporting Sahrawi voices that prioritize agreements ensuring regional stability and security, thereby unlocking diplomatic pathways that have been hindered by years of confrontation.
Ongoing dialogue and international momentum
This meeting follows a recent visit by a Sahrawis for Peace delegation to New York, where members met with the U.S., French, and U.K. ambassadors to the United Nations. It comes ahead of a critical United Nations Security Council session reviewing the implementation of Resolution 2797—a resolution widely endorsed internationally to advance a political and peaceful solution to the Western Sahara issue.
