Washington Endorses Moroccan Claim in Western Sahara as UN Mission Deadline Nears
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau expressed support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara after meeting Morocco's foreign minister on 25 September 2026. He said the long-standing situation cannot continue, ahead of a UN Security Council decision on MINURSO's mandate by 31 October. The dispute involves Morocco, the Polisario Front and Algeria, with the UN mission monitoring a ceasefire since 1991.
Western Sahara is a sparsely populated desert territory on Africa’s Atlantic edge, roughly the size of Colorado, with about 600,000 residents. Morocco, whose population is around 37 million, administers most of it and describes the area as its southern provinces.
Spain withdrew in 1975. The Polisario Front, supported by neighbouring Algeria, continues to seek a referendum. The UN mission MINURSO has monitored a ceasefire since 1991, and its mandate faces a Security Council decision by 31 October.
A US endorsement may strengthen Morocco’s diplomatic position and could affect how the Security Council handles MINURSO’s mandate. People in the territory and the wider region may see uncertainty continue. Investors considering ports, fisheries or green hydrogen might read stronger US backing as reduced political risk, though European court limits on EU trade deals mean legal exposure may persist.