Human Rights Pressure: Italian MPs Laura Boldrini and Stefano Vaccari urged Rome to demand the release of Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari and fellow detainees, citing his hunger strike since June 8 and UN human rights concerns. UN Diplomacy & Competing Voices: U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz met the Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP), signaling Washington’s push for a pragmatic path under UNSC Resolution 2797 that backs Morocco’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. France’s Regional Signal: France’s new ambassador Philippe Lalliot made his first official visit to Laayoune, reaffirming Paris’ support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal and pledging deeper economic and institutional cooperation. Border Security Focus: A U.S. Mission delegation visited El Guerguerat for talks on border security, counter-narcotics and human trafficking, underscoring cooperation on a key West Africa trade corridor tied to the Western Sahara dispute. Health Alarm: Front Line Defenders warned of a rapid deterioration in Asfari’s health after weeks on hunger strike, calling for independent specialized medical care and an end to alleged medical neglect and reprisals. Regional Backing for UN Role: Namibia renewed calls for the UN to lead the process, with President Nandi-Ndaitwah stressing dialogue over confrontation and reaffirming support for Sahrawi self-determination. Local Governance & Education Narrative: A NEPAD delegation visited Sahrawi institutions, including Tifariti University and ministries, to hear how education, healthcare and state services are run amid refugee-life constraints. Judicial Retaliation Claim: Sahrawi lawyer Mohamed Hali told the UN Human Rights Council that Moroccan authorities use the judiciary to retaliate against Sahrawi rights defenders, urging protection and an end to intimidation. Citizenship Politics in Spain: Spain’s nationality bill for Sahrawis born under Spanish administration advanced in Congress toward a July approval path, after PSOE and Sumar moved closer despite earlier opposition.