Marrakech – In every accorded interview, Massad Boulos spares no time to hammer another nail in the coffin of the Polisario and its obsolete thesis that has long expired, writing a death certificate for a militia that will head to eternal rest after fifty years of destabilizing existence.
In his Monday interview with Sky News Arabia, Trump’s Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs made crystal-clear remarks on the Western Sahara dispute, delivering devastating blows to the separatist narrative and dismantling the foundations of Algeria’s proxy militia – just two days before a pivotal United Nations Security Council vote.
“The United States’ position and Trump’s stance on Western Sahara are absolutely clear and non-negotiable. Trump recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara within the framework of the autonomy proposal,” Boulos emphatically declared, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
“For Trump and Washington, Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara is completely irreversible and not subject to any debate whatsoever. We categorically consider the Moroccan proposal regarding Western Sahara to be the best and only viable approach,” he added.
The bombshell statements from Boulos explicitly reflect Washington’s unwavering commitment to Morocco’s territorial integrity, effectively nullifying decades of Algerian-backed propaganda aimed at fragmenting the kingdom.
Boulos stressed Thursday, October 30, is “a very important deadline,” referring to the upcoming UN Security Council session on Western Sahara. He continued, “We are working intensively with all partners and allies, especially Morocco and Algeria, to reach a Security Council resolution that satisfies everyone as much as possible. We know it’s not easy to please everyone.”
In what appears to be a direct admonishment of Algeria’s obstructionist tactics, Boulos pointedly remarked, “When there is a permanent solution to the Sahara issue, resolving the dispute between Algeria and Morocco will become much easier.”
This statement unmistakably identifies Algeria as the primary impediment to regional stability, despite its persistent denials of direct involvement in the conflict.
The US’ draft resolution for the Security Council, which was said to contain several game-changing provisions, took center stage in the discussion. Regarding the upcoming Security Council vote, Boulos revealed details about the US draft, which describes Morocco’s autonomy proposal as “realistic, credible, and serious” for resolving the conflict.
When asked specifically about MINURSO’s shortened mandate in the draft resolution, Boulos carefully stated, “Thank you for your question. Regarding the leaks, let’s not get into matters that have been leaked, but I can tell you that all these issues are open for discussion, especially regarding the three-month or six-month period, or otherwise. The extension periods are subject to negotiation between Security Council members and are currently under discussion.”
He added with confidence, “There is no doubt that in the end, there will be a result that satisfies everyone.” This diplomatic phrasing masks the strategic reality: MINURSO’s mandate will be limited to a mere three-month period, with a possible extension to six months. This Security Council resolution represents the beginning of the path toward negotiations for a final, consensual solution.
The King’s words carry moral and political weight
The door remains open to all ideas and proposals, but strictly within the framework of Morocco’s autonomy initiative, while Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara remains non-negotiable and irreversible.
Within this framework, Boulos reaffirmed that “Morocco is open to constructive ideas within its autonomy proposal,” adding, “We are optimistic because we know that King Mohammed VI has decided that we can reach a final and quick solution, and we also know that Algerians are open to this constructive discussion. This is where the optimism comes from.”
Coming from a high-level American advisor who has recently met with Algerian officials, this statement suggests potential movement behind the scenes despite Algeria’s public posturing.
In fact, King Mohammed VI’s historic olive branch to Algeria, extended during his 26th Throne Day speech three months ago, was a masterful diplomatic maneuver that Boulos referenced with evident admiration.
In that landmark address, the Moroccan monarch declared, “I wish to reiterate my resolve to remain open to our regional environment, especially our immediate neighbors and the relationship with our brothers and sisters in Algeria. My position, as the King of Morocco, is as clear as it is consistent: the Algerian people are our brothers and sisters; they share deep-rooted human and historical ties with the Moroccan people. The bonds of language, religion, geography, and a common destiny unite us.”
This speech confirmed that the Moroccan sovereign remains faithful to the wise policies his father, King Hassan II, and his grandfather, King Mohammed V, adopted toward Algeria. The King’s visionary leadership stands in stark contrast to the reactionary posture of Algeria’s military regime, which continues to squander its people’s resources on futile separatist ambitions.
Dialogue, not confrontation, defines Morocco’s current approach
In the parallel interview broadcast on Al Arabiya Al Hadath the same day, Boulos described the upcoming UN resolution as “important and decisive,” emphasizing it would be “truly historic” and “the key to the agreement my colleague Witkoff mentioned.”
Earlier last week, US Envoy Steve Witkoff told CBS News that Washington expects to broker a peace agreement between Morocco and Algeria within 60 days, despite Algeria unilaterally severing diplomatic ties in August 2021 and reimposing visa requirements on Moroccan citizens in September 2024.
Witkoff stressed that the US team is “focused on it,” while Boulos’ separate remarks suggested that both Rabat and Algiers are showing readiness to rebuild bridges and move toward a “fundamental and final solution” to the Western Sahara dispute.
He indicated that the next stage would involve discussions between Algeria and Morocco, first indirectly and then directly, effectively forcing Algeria to abandon its self-proclaimed “observer” status and acknowledge its central role in perpetuating the conflict.
Boulos lavished praise on King Mohammed VI’s diplomatic acumen, affirming that the monarch’s steady leadership and policy of outreach have been instrumental in advancing dialogue on the Sahara issue. He noted that the King’s vision – grounded in treating Algeria as a “brotherly country” and seeking a final, mutually beneficial settlement – has created an atmosphere of renewed optimism.
According to Boulos, this “extended hand” approach has not only facilitated Washington’s engagement in the negotiations but has also fostered a sense that Algeria is becoming more receptive to constructive dialogue, further strengthening confidence in achieving an expeditious and lasting resolution.
Washington’s resolve has never been more evident
During a separate interview with Asharq News on October 16, Boulos claimed that Algeria had expressed “willingness” to improve ties with Morocco and wanted a “fundamental and final solution to the Western Sahara dispute.”
However, this assertion is brutally contradicted by Algeria’s continued belligerent actions, as it shamelessly harbors, finances, and arms the Polisario separatist group that represents a direct threat to Moroccan sovereignty and regional security.
Earlier this month, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune defiantly stated that his country will “not abandon the Western Sahara dispute,” laying bare Algeria’s duplicitous stance and its relentless obstruction of the UN-led political process while stubbornly refusing to acknowledge its role as the primary instigator and sustainer of this artificial conflict.
Trump’s administration is unequivocally determined to finalize and expand upon its momentous December 2020 decision recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
The United States also announced concrete plans to establish a consulate in Dakhla, initially launching a “Virtual Presence Post” focused on promoting economic and social development in a region that has flourished under Moroccan governance despite Algeria’s persistent attempts to undermine its progress.
As international support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan continues to surge, with major global powers like France, Spain, and the United Kingdom joining the United States in backing the proposal as the sole framework for resolving the dispute, Boulos emphatically stated that Washington is “more optimistic than ever” that the Western Sahara issue will reach a “definitive and lasting solution.”
In an earlier interview that resonates powerfully with his current statements, Boulos declared with unmistakable finality, “The time has truly come to resolve this issue once and for all.”
This pronouncement signals an imminent, seismic shift in the decades-long dispute as the UN Security Council vote approaches, potentially marking the beginning of the end for Algeria’s costly and futile proxy war against Moroccan territorial integrity.
