The U.S. Envoy Gives Algeria a 60-Day Deadline to Accept Autonomy in Western Sahara
Developments in the Western Sahara issue are accelerating after media sources revealed that the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East and North Africa, Steve Wittekov, has granted Algeria and the Polisario Front a 60-day timeframe to accept Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the only realistic solution to end the decades-long conflict.
Wittekov clarified in statements reported by American and European media that Washington “will not settle for a monitoring role” and is working to shape a comprehensive regional agreement between Morocco and Algeria under its direct supervision, aimed at rebuilding stability in North Africa.
Diplomatic sources in Washington confirmed that the U.S. administration is considering taking “political and economic measures” against any party that hinders the process, a clear reference to the Algerian government, which has so far refused to discuss Morocco’s autonomy initiative, despite increasing support from Western powers.
The same sources indicated that the U.S. envoy brought a clear message to Algeria, stating that the continuation of the current situation “is no longer acceptable,” and that the international community is moving towards supporting the Moroccan approach as the sole option to resolve the conflict.
In contrast, the Algerian authorities have not issued any official comment, while media outlets close to Polisario claimed that “U.S. pressure is an attempt to impose a unilateral settlement,” insisting that any solution “must ensure the right to self-determination.”
