AGP Executive Report

Hunger Strike in Morocco: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of an indefinite hunger strike, protesting detention conditions, demanding proper medical care, and seeking transfer to a prison in Western Sahara; he has been jailed since 2010 and is serving a 30-year sentence tied to the 2010 Gdaim Izik events, while Moroccan authorities deny mistreatment. UN Political Track: UN Secretary-General Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side and met UN and Sahrawi officials, with Brahim Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward a just, final solution based on self-determination; de Mistura also visited Tindouf camps for consultations ahead of Security Council briefings. Leadership Shock: The Polisario announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a senior military commander and son of late leader Mohamed Abdelaziz, with three days of mourning; reports link the death to a drone strike east of Morocco’s wall, raising questions about succession and internal balance. Diplomacy & Solidarity: UGTSARIO briefed trade unions in Geneva, urging stronger international labor solidarity and calling Western Sahara the last decolonization case in Africa. Martyrs Commemorations: National Martyrs’ Day and the academic year closing were marked in Dakhla Wilaya, with renewed emphasis on sacrifice and the path to independence.

Drone Warfare & Succession Shock: Polisario says senior commander Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz was killed in an operation east of Morocco’s berm, with mourning declared and analysts linking the death to leadership succession pressures inside the movement. UN Peace Process Update: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with Brahim Ghali and Sahrawi civil groups, with Ghali reiterating support for UN efforts toward a just, final solution based on self-determination. Regional Consultations in Tindouf: De Mistura’s tour to the camps continued consultations ahead of a new Security Council briefing, framed around Security Council Resolution 2797. Martyrs & National Memory: Sahrawi institutions marked National Martyrs’ Day and the 50th anniversary of El Ouali Mustapha Sayed’s death, while events also closed the 2025–2026 academic year in Dakhla. Rights & Solidarity Push: UGTSARIO briefed trade unions in Geneva, calling Western Sahara the last decolonization case in Africa and urging stronger international labor solidarity. Environmental Justice Claim: SONREP renewed its argument that resource exploitation without Sahrawi consent violates environmental justice and self-determination.

UN Peace Process Update: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up consultations with the Sahrawi side, meeting President Brahim Ghali and Sahrawi women, youth and human rights groups, reaffirming support for a UN-led, self-determination-based solution. Diplomatic Engagement: Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat also met de Mistura, discussing prospects for the peace process under UN and US auspices. Leadership and Succession Shock: The Polisario announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a senior military commander and son of late leader Mohamed Abdelaziz, triggering three days of mourning and renewed questions over internal balances and future leadership. Martyrs and National Memory: National Martyrs’ Day and the 2025–2026 academic year closing began in Dakhla Wilaya, while the Sahrawi Embassy in Cuba marked the 50th anniversary of El Ouali Mustapha Sayed’s martyrdom. Rights and Resources: SONREP said environmental justice in Western Sahara is inseparable from self-determination, condemning resource exploitation without Sahrawi consent. International Solidarity: UGTSARIO briefed the World Federation of Trade Unions in Geneva, calling for stronger global labor solidarity for decolonization.

UN Western Sahara Track: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side after meetings with women, youth and human rights groups, and consultations with leadership, with the Polisario stressing support for UN efforts to reach a “just, final solution” based on self-determination. Diplomacy in Camps: De Mistura also met the Sahrawi Foreign Affairs minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat during his visit to the Tindouf camps, as the UN seeks conditions for renewed political talks under Security Council resolutions. Leadership and Succession: The Polisario announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a senior National Secretariat figure and commander, with three days of mourning declared; reports link the death to an operation near Morocco’s defensive wall, intensifying internal succession debates. National Commemoration: In Dakhla Wilaya, National Martyrs’ Day (June 9) and the closing of the 2025–2026 academic year were marked with official participation, recalling the legacy of El Ouali Mustapha Sayed. Human Rights & Resources: SONREP marked World Environment Day by arguing environmental justice in Western Sahara is inseparable from self-determination, condemning exploitation of land and marine resources without Sahrawi consent. International Spotlight: Pope Leo’s visit to Spain’s Canary Islands put migrant treatment back in focus, with local church leaders urging a humane approach and an end to the Atlantic route.

UN Security Council & Sahara Diplomacy: The UN General Assembly elected Austria, Portugal, Kyrgyzstan, Zimbabwe and Trinidad and Tobago as new non-permanent Security Council members for 2027–2028, a mix that analysts say could be broadly favorable to Morocco’s autonomy push, though Zimbabwe is seen as potentially closer to Algeria/Polisario positions. UN Envoy’s Consultations: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with Sahrawi women, youth and human rights groups and met Polisario officials and the Sahrawi leadership, reiterating support for completing decolonisation through self-determination. Tindouf Camp Visit: De Mistura is also set to begin a new round of consultations in the Tindouf camps as part of UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Leadership Loss in Polisario: Polisario announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a senior commander and son of late leader Mohamed Abdelaziz, after reports of a drone strike near Morocco’s defensive wall. US Terror Designation Pressure: US lawmakers renewed efforts to scrutinize and potentially designate Polisario as a terrorist group, citing alleged Iran-linked ties and maritime-security concerns around Gibraltar. Rights & Resources: SONREP warned that environmental justice in Western Sahara is inseparable from self-determination, condemning resource exploitation without Sahrawi consent.

UN Political Track: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura met Algeria’s Foreign Affairs minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, with Polisario and MINURSO coordination present, as the UN pushes a “just, fair, transparent” path to Sahrawi self-determination under UNSC Resolution 2797. Consultations in Tindouf: De Mistura also began fresh consultations in the Sahrawi refugee camps, with talks expected to feed into his next Security Council briefing and a possible restart of negotiations. Leadership Loss in Polisario: Polisario announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a senior military commander and National Secretariat member, with reports linking his killing to a drone strike near Morocco’s defense wall; three days of mourning were declared. Human Rights Pressure: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protest, citing patterns of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture/ill-treatment, and coerced confessions. Environmental Justice: SONREP marked World Environment Day by tying environmental justice in Western Sahara to the right to self-determination, denouncing resource exploitation without Sahrawi consent. US Terror Designation Push: US lawmakers’ push to scrutinize or designate Polisario as a terrorist group gained momentum, with claims focused on alleged Iran-linked ties and maritime-security concerns near Gibraltar.

UN Diplomacy: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura arrived in the Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf as part of a regional tour, with MINURSO and Polisario officials welcoming him—raising hopes for renewed political momentum. Environmental Justice: SONREP marked World Environment Day by arguing that environmental justice in Western Sahara is inseparable from Sahrawi self-determination, condemning ongoing exploitation of land and marine resources without consent. Human Cost of the Conflict: The Presidency of the Republic declared three days of national mourning after the death in combat of Polisario commander Lehbib Mohamed Abdelaziz and two companions. Regional Security Tensions: A Mauritanian miners’ coalition denied claims that Mauritanian prospectors were targeted in a Morocco drone strike near Akleibat El Foula, warning that misinformation could inflame relations. UN Political Process Watch: A UN Security Council shake-up is set for 2027–2028, with Austria, Portugal, Kyrgyzstan, Zimbabwe and Trinidad and Tobago elected to oversee the Sahara file. Occupied-Territory Rights: Switzerland’s Abolish Festival screened documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisoned journalists, with speakers criticizing international “silence” over abuses. Legal Pressure on Morocco: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the Gdeim Izik protest, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment.

UN Mediation Update: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura arrived in Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf as part of a June 7–8 push to revive dialogue, with POLISARIO and MINURSO officials welcoming him. Environmental Justice: SONREP marked World Environment Day by linking environmental justice in Western Sahara to the Sahrawi right to self-determination, denouncing ongoing exploitation of land and marine resources without Sahrawi consent. MINURSO Under Review: The UN mission for the referendum in Western Sahara is cutting costs by restructuring medical and logistical services, including ending contracts for around 20 medical staff, amid a wider review of its future role. Diplomatic Pressure on the Table: De Mistura’s visit is framed as a “last warning” ahead of renewed quadripartite talks under UN Security Council Resolution 2797 endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan. Human Rights Spotlight: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp protests, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment. International Solidarity: Switzerland screened documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisoned journalists, while South Africa’s Left Conference reiterated support for Sahrawi self-determination and an end to neo-colonialism.

Arms Race & Sahara Link: Algeria and Morocco ramp up military spending, with Rabat’s increases tied in part to the Western Sahara dispute while Algiers’ posture is shaped by regional instability and arms inflows including Russian Su-34M fighters. UN Process & MINURSO Cuts: UN Sahara envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit Tindouf Camps to deliver a “last warning” tied to UNSC Resolution 2797, as MINURSO begins cost-cutting that reduces medical services and staff. Human Rights Under Occupation: UN experts again find Morocco violating Sahrawi detainees’ rights linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp, while European lawyers condemn abuses against Sahrawi defenders, including reports of a de facto siege in El Aaiún. International Pressure on Businesses: Germany’s Heidelberg Materials admits supplying cement and concrete for major infrastructure in occupied El Aaiún and Dakhla, and a Catalonia-led campaign targets AZURA Group over how it markets Dakhla and labels exports. US Terror-Designation Push: US lawmakers gain momentum to scrutinize and potentially label Polisario as a terrorist organization, citing alleged Iran-linked ties and maritime-security concerns near Gibraltar. Solidarity & Diplomacy: Polisario leaders and allied unions in Geneva press for self-determination, while South Africa’s Left Conference and EFF reiterate support for ending occupation and decolonizing Western Sahara.

Diplomatic Outreach: Polisario President Brahim Ghali congratulated Zimbabwe on its election to the UN Security Council, stressing support for peace, multilateralism, and Sahrawi self-determination. UN & Labor Solidarity: UGTSARIO held a solidarity meeting at the ILO conference in Geneva, calling for intensified international efforts to enable Sahrawis to exercise independence and highlighting workers’ and human rights as key decolonization challenges. Human Rights Pressure: A European lawyers’ group condemned serious abuses against Sahrawi defenders in occupied Western Sahara, alleging isolation measures and a de facto siege at the home of activist Hussein Mjahid in El Aaiún. Legal Accountability: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp protest, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and coerced confessions. Peace Process Watch: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit Tindouf camps to deliver a “last warning” tied to UNSC Resolution 2797 and restart quadripartite talks under Morocco’s autonomy framework. Economic Footprint: Heidelberg Materials acknowledged supplying cement and concrete for major infrastructure in occupied Western Sahara, including ports in El Aaiún and Dakhla Atlantique, as production rose in 2025. International Politics: US lawmakers’ push to scrutinize or label Polisario as a terrorist group gained momentum, with new Democratic backing and renewed claims of Iran-linked ties.

UN Sahara diplomacy: UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit the Tindouf camps this weekend to deliver a “last warning” tied to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and to help restart quadripartite talks based on Morocco’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. Human rights in occupied territories: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protest, citing arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and coerced confessions. International legal pressure: European lawyers condemned serious abuses against Sahrawi human rights defenders, including reports of a de facto siege at the home of defender Hussein Mjahid in El Aaiún and restrictions on movement and solidarity. Civil society action: Trade unions and civil groups launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging it to respect European court rulings and stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan while ensuring correct origin labels. UN process and MINURSO: MINURSO has begun cost-cutting and restructuring, including dismantling a medical center and ending contracts for about 20 medical staff, amid a review of its future mandate. Solidarity abroad: UGTSARIO held a solidarity meeting in Geneva on the sidelines of the ILO conference, calling for intensified efforts toward Sahrawi self-determination and highlighting workers’ rights and natural resources as key decolonization issues. Regional politics: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination and condemned neo-colonial domination and exploitation. UN Security Council shift: Five new non-permanent members elected for 2027–2028—Austria, Portugal, Kyrgyzstan, Zimbabwe, and Trinidad and Tobago—will join the UN body overseeing the Sahara file, with expectations of limited change due to permanent members’ influence.

Franco-Moroccan Diplomacy: Morocco and France are finalising a new “Friendship Treaty” to replace the 1955 La Celle-Saint-Cloud deal, framing it as a modern, equal partnership with security, culture and support for Rabat’s Western Sahara approach. Human Rights in Occupied Territories: Switzerland hosted screenings of two documentaries on Sahrawi activists’ imprisonment and family suffering, while the UN Committee Against Torture again flagged Morocco’s alleged abuse of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protest. International Pressure & UN Process: UN Sahara envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit Tindouf Camps to deliver a “last warning” tied to UNSC Resolution 2797 and a new push for quadripartite talks; meanwhile MINURSO is restructuring and cutting medical services. US Legislative Push: A US House bill to scrutinise Polisario-Iran links gained a new Democratic backer, as Senator Ted Cruz renewed calls to designate Polisario as a terrorist group. Solidarity from Africa: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination, echoing other regional political statements against occupation. EU Court Compliance Campaign: Catalan and French groups launched a campaign against AZURA Group, demanding accurate origin labelling for Dakhla and respect for European court rulings on Western Sahara’s distinct status.

UN Mediation: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit the Tindouf camps this weekend to deliver a “last warning” tied to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and the push for autonomy talks under Moroccan sovereignty, after reported Polisario rocket attacks on Samara. U.S. Terror Designation Drive: A U.S. House bill to scrutinize and potentially sanction Polisario over alleged Iran-linked ties gained a new Democratic backer, adding momentum toward terrorism-related measures. Human Rights Pressure: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protests, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and coerced confessions. EU Court & Corporate Accountability: Catalan and French civil groups launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging it to respect European court rulings and stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan, demanding accurate origin labeling. Political Solidarity: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination, while EFF leaders and other solidarity actors renewed calls to end occupation. MINURSO Restructuring: MINURSO has started cost-cutting changes, including reducing medical services, as the UN reviews its future role in the Sahara.

US–Polisario Terror Label Push: Texas Senator Ted Cruz renewed claims that the Polisario is an Iran-backed “proxy” and urged it be designated a terrorist organization, pointing to the May 5 Esmara attack and wider regional security concerns. UN MINURSO Restructuring: The UN Mission for the Referendum in the Sahara (MINURSO) has started cutting costs by dismantling parts of its medical services and ending contracts for about 20 medical staff, as the UN reviews MINURSO’s future role under Security Council Resolution 2797. Human Rights Under Pressure: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protests, citing patterns of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, and torture/ill-treatment. EU Court/Trade Dispute: A Catalonia-based campaign and partners urged the AZURA Group to stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan and to respect European court rulings on Western Sahara’s separate legal status. Regional Solidarity: South Africa’s Left Conference and the EFF both reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination, while the World Peace Council called for an end to Morocco’s occupation. Diplomatic Signals: UN POLISARIO representative Sidi Mohamed Omar said C-24 seminar discussions in Managua showed strong international backing for a self-determination referendum.

UN Decolonization & MINURSO: MINURSO has started cutting costs by dismantling its medical center and ending contracts for about 20 medical staff, as part of a wider review tied to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and the future of the mission in the Sahara. Human Rights in Occupied Western Sahara: The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights condemned alleged abuses against Sahrawi defenders, including reports of a de facto siege at the home of Hussein Mjahid in El Aaiún and restrictions meant to block solidarity and monitoring. C-24 Support for the Sahrawi Cause: POLISARIO UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar said the C-24 regional seminar in Managua drew strong backing from states across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean for Sahrawi self-determination and calls to expedite a referendum. Political Solidarity in Africa: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Western Sahara’s liberation and self-determination; EFF leader Julius Malema echoed that it’s “shameful” to celebrate African liberation while Sahrawis remain under occupation. International Pressure on Corporate Claims: Catalan and French groups launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging it to respect European court rulings and stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan, demanding accurate origin labeling for exports. Regional Diplomacy & Narratives: A World Peace Council resolution called for an end to Morocco’s occupation and renewed calls for recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.

MINURSO Restructuring in Laayoune: MINURSO has closed its medical center at headquarters in Laayoune after contracts ended for around 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare workers; UN says equipment will be transferred to local humanitarian partners as the mission undergoes a strategic review tied to Security Council Resolution 2797, with further adjustments reported including staffing cuts and the withdrawal of a helicopter used for monitoring. Human Rights Pressure in Occupied Territories: A European lawyers’ group condemned serious abuses against Sahrawi defenders in occupied Western Sahara, citing isolation measures, movement restrictions, and a reported de facto siege on the home of defender Hussein Mjahid in El Aaiún, including electricity cutoffs. International Solidarity for Self-Determination: The World Peace Council called for an end to Morocco’s “occupation” and for Sahrawis to exercise self-determination, while South Africa’s EFF reiterated unconditional support for Sahrawi independence and condemned the “plunder” of natural resources. Legal/Corporate Accountability: Catalonia for Freedom of Sahrawi People and partners urged AZURA Group to respect European court rulings, stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan, and ensure accurate origin labels for exports.