On September 30, 2026, the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, Ambassador Mike Waltz, received a delegation from the Polisario Front. The meeting took place at the UN headquarters, where Waltz emphasized the need for a lasting solution to the Sahrawi refugee crisis. The refugees have been living in camps in Tindouf, Algeria, for over 50 years, waiting for a resolution to their situation.
The Polisario Front delegation consisted of several high-ranking officials, including Mohamed Salem Salek, advisor to the President of the Sahrawi Republic for diplomatic affairs, Mohamed Yislem Bist, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Sidi Mohamed Amar, representative of the Polisario Front to the UN and coordinator with the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). The meeting provided an opportunity for the two parties to discuss the current situation in Western Sahara and potential solutions.
Ambassador Waltz expressed his concern for the Sahrawi refugees, stating that they have waited for 50 years and deserve real options, not another decade of waiting. He emphasized that a solution to the crisis is essential and that the basis for a resolution is already on the table. The US Ambassador's statement highlights the need for a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict.
The meeting between Waltz and the Polisario Front delegation comes at a time when the international community is closely following developments in Western Sahara. The Sahrawi conflict has been ongoing for decades, with the Polisario Front fighting for independence against Morocco, which claims sovereignty over the territory. The UN has been involved in efforts to resolve the conflict, including the organization of a referendum, which has been delayed several times.
The Polisario Front has been seeking international support for its cause, and the meeting with Ambassador Waltz is seen as a significant step in this direction. The Sahrawi Republic has been recognized by several African countries, and the Polisario Front has been a key player in the negotiations with Morocco. The meeting with Waltz demonstrates the ongoing efforts to find a solution to the conflict.
The US plays a crucial role in international efforts to resolve the Sahrawi conflict, given its position as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The US has been involved in several initiatives aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the crisis, including the organization of talks between Morocco and the Polisario Front. The meeting between Waltz and the Polisario Front delegation is a continuation of these efforts.
The international community remains committed to finding a lasting solution to the Sahrawi conflict. The UN Secretary-General has emphasized the need for a peaceful and inclusive solution, and several countries have expressed their support for the efforts to resolve the crisis. The meeting between Ambassador Waltz and the Polisario Front delegation is a step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- The US Ambassador to the UN emphasized the need for real options for Sahrawi refugees, who have been waiting for 50 years for a resolution to their situation.
