Mauritania's request to define Western Sahara's borders has sparked speculation regarding a potential deal with Morocco. Reports suggest Nouakchott might be seeking a long-term concession over the strategic area of Lagouira to facilitate the expansion of the Nouadhibou port. In return, Mauritania could potentially recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and withdraw its recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. This dynamic is fueled by the strategic necessity of Mauritanian support for Moroccan initiatives, including the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline and trade routes to West Africa. Such bilateral negotiations raise serious concerns regarding the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination, which could be sidelined in these regional geopolitical arrangements.