Algeria remains committed to supporting a definitive settlement for Western Sahara that guarantees the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, according to Ambassador Amar Bendjama, Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN. Speaking on June 17, 2026, at the UN Special Committee on Decolonization, the ambassador affirmed that Algeria will continue to advocate for international law and UN resolutions to resolve the status of the territory, which has been on the committee’s agenda since 1963.
Did You Know? The issue of Western Sahara has been formally listed on the agenda of the UN Special Committee on Decolonization—also known as the Committee of 24—for over six decades, dating back to 1963.
The Status of Western Sahara Negotiations
Ambassador Bendjama stated that Algeria, alongside Mauritania, has accepted invitations to participate in current political processes as a neighboring state and observer. The Algerian government continues to call for direct negotiations between the two primary parties, Morocco and the Front Polisario. Algeria has formally welcomed the ongoing direct talks facilitated under the auspices of the United Nations and the United States.
Expert Insight: Algeria’s emphasis on the “non-self-governing” status of the territory reflects a long-standing legal position that centers on the principle of decolonization. By positioning itself as an observer in current talks, Algiers seeks to maintain a role in the diplomatic process while insisting that the final outcome must be rooted in the self-determination of the Sahrawi people, rather than unilateral actions or preconditions.
Potential Future Developments
The diplomatic path forward remains contingent on the nature of the engagement between the involved parties. Ambassador Bendjama cautioned that the political process risks reaching an impasse if stakeholders continue to rely on “the politics of the fait accompli,” the use of preconditions, or adversarial rhetoric. A successful resolution, according to the Algerian representative, requires a shift toward a dynamic of mutual trust and good faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Algeria’s official position on the Western Sahara conflict?
Algeria maintains that the conflict must be settled in strict accordance with international law and UN resolutions, ensuring the Sahrawi people exercise their right to self-determination.
Who are the primary parties involved in the direct negotiations?
According to Ambassador Bendjama, the direct negotiations are between Morocco and the Front Polisario, conducted under the aegis of the United Nations and the United States.
What does Algeria identify as a potential threat to the current political process?
The ambassador warned that the persistence of preconditions, the politics of the fait accompli, and the expression of contempt for opposing parties could increase frustration and lead the current negotiations into a stalemate.
How do you believe the involvement of international observers influences the pace of these long-standing decolonization efforts?
