Summary:

On 26 February 2026, Mauritania hosted a delegation representing the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), underscoring renewed diplomatic engagement around the long-running Western Sahara dispute. The visit, reported by regional outlets, emphasizes ongoing efforts by Sahrawi representatives to consolidate diplomatic ties across North and West Africa amid ongoing tensions over the territory’s status.

The meeting was aligned with Nouakchott’s longstanding policy of “positive neutrality” in the Western Sahara dispute. By engaging with Polisario representatives while maintaining relations with other regional actors.

Outlook: 

At a time of renewed diplomatic engagement, the visit underscores Mauritania’s careful positioning in a conflict that directly affects its regional security environment. As talks gather at pace under US and UN auspices, Nouakchott’s outreach reflects a pragmatic calculation to remain involved without overtly aligning with any single party.

More broadly, the development signals cautious optimism that external mediation may gradually re-energize a stalled political process. While significant differences remain between the parties, sustained diplomatic contact including Mauritania’s engagement with Polisario suggests that regional actors are preparing for a potentially more active phase of negotiations in the months ahead.

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