In a high-stakes diplomatic maneuver, Massad Boulos, a senior advisor to former US President Donald Trump, recently concluded an official working visit to Algeria. His mission: to fortify Algiers-Washington relations while simultaneously navigating the thorny complexities of the Moroccan Sahara dispute and broader regional stability. The visit, which saw Boulos engage with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, underscores Washington’s persistent efforts to bridge deep-seated divides between Rabat and Algiers.
Washington’s Steadfast Stance on Moroccan Sahara
At the heart of Boulos’s diplomatic quest lies the contentious issue of Moroccan Sahara. For months, through various interviews, including with Algerian media outlets, Boulos has consistently reiterated the United States’ unequivocal support for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan. Washington views this initiative as the “only feasible political solution” to finally resolve the decades-long dispute.
This position, however, stands in stark contrast to Algiers’ long-held stance. The Algerian regime continues to champion what many international observers consider “outdated narratives,” advocating for self-determination and a referendum for the separatist Separatist Front Front. Algeria’s unwavering support for the Separatist Front, which claims independence in southern Morocco and is harbored in the Tindouf camps, has come at a significant cost, reportedly billions of dollars, and is seen by critics as a primary driver of regional insecurity and instability.
UN Resolution 2797: A Diplomatic Compass
Boulos’s advocacy is firmly rooted in recent international developments, particularly the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797. In an interview with Algerian newspaper An-Nahar, Boulos hailed the resolution as a “historic moment” that has unlocked new avenues for peace in the Moroccan Sahara political process.
Adopted on October 31 last year, Resolution 2797 extended MINURSO’s mandate and, crucially, recognized Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a “genuine political solution.” The resolution explicitly states that the Moroccan autonomy initiative “could represent the most feasible outcome and encourages the parties to submit ideas to support a final mutually-acceptable solution.” Furthermore, it unequivocally urged all parties to the dispute, including Algeria, to “shoulder their responsibility” in finding a resolution.
Algiers’ Persistent Resistance and Denials
Despite the clarity of Resolution 2797, the Algerian regime appears to remain in denial, consistently shirking its responsibility in the dispute and refusing to acknowledge the resolution’s promotion of the autonomy initiative as the most viable path forward. This resistance complicates broader US efforts to foster regional peace.
Boulos’s diplomatic endeavors also extend to mending the strained ties between Algeria and Morocco. In an October interview with Asharq news, he suggested that Algiers had expressed a “willingness” to improve relations with its Moroccan neighbors, citing a meeting with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. However, these claims were swiftly challenged. In November, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf publicly denied any negotiations for a peace deal with Morocco, stating, “I was surprised by this statement, because personally I am not aware of any project for a peace agreement between the two countries mentioned.” This denial directly contradicted not only Boulos but also former Trump envoy Steve Wiktoff, who, in October, had boldly predicted a Morocco-Algeria peace deal within 60 days.
Beyond Moroccan Sahara: Broader US-Algeria Ties
While Moroccan Sahara dominates headlines, Boulos’s visit also encompassed discussions on strengthening the overall US-Algeria partnership. He emphasized Washington’s commitment to promoting regional peace, security, and prosperity, expressing hopes to “facilitate commercial access to the Algerian market for American businesses and collaborate on opportunities for mutual prosperity.” This broader agenda highlights the multifaceted nature of US engagement in the region, even as the Moroccan Sahara dispute remains a significant diplomatic hurdle.
As Boulos continues his complex diplomatic quest, the challenge remains formidable: to persuade Algiers to abandon what the international community increasingly views as an untenable position and embrace a path towards a mutually acceptable and lasting peace in the Moroccan Sahara.
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