05-08-2025
From Algiers, Trump's Advisor reaffirms Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara
US Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos gave an interview to the Algerian daily El Watan, during which he reaffirmed the Trump administration's firm position on the Western Sahara issue, dampening Algerian expectations.
«Secretary of State Rubio reiterated [on April 8, following his talks with Bourita] that the United States recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and supports Morocco's serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting resolution», Boulos stated.
«The United States continues to believe that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only viable solution», he emphasized. «The Secretary reaffirmed President Trump's call for the parties to engage without delay, using Morocco's autonomy initiative as the sole framework for negotiating a mutually acceptable solution. The Secretary also made clear that the United States would help facilitate progress toward that goal».
Boulos added, «I appreciated the opportunity to speak directly with President Tebboune and Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf about the United States' commitment to a long-awaited peaceful resolution and our joint efforts to achieve it».
A Setback for Algiers
After his meeting with President Tebboune on July 27 in Algiers, Boulos avoided confirming to the press whether the Western Sahara issue had been discussed. But his remarks to El Watan, made on an Algerian platform, dealt a blow to Algerian hopes. Authorities in Algiers had pinned high expectations on his visit, hoping to secure a diplomatic win regarding the Sahara.
Ahead of the visit by Trump's son-in-law, both chambers of the Algerian Parliament passed a new law reforming the investment framework for the mining sector. The legislation restricts public enterprises to holding just 20% of shares in unexplored mineral deposits, leaving the remaining 80% open to foreign investors, mainly American ones. This move came shortly after President Tebboune hosted delegations from Chevron and ExxonMobil on June 24 and 25. During his visit, Boulos also met with Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab.
Hopes had been running high since Boulos's interview on Al Arabiya a week after the joint statement signed on April 8 by Marco Rubio in support of Morocco's autonomy plan. His statements generated concern in Rabat, after which he offered clarifications on Medi1 TV.
