AGP Executive Report

MINURSO Leadership Change: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Pakistan’s Major General Jawwad Ahmed as the new Force Commander of MINURSO, succeeding a Bangladeshi general who finished his term, with a farewell ceremony held in Laayoune. Sahrawi Cause & Diplomacy: Polisario Secretary-General Brahim Ghali chaired a Permanent Bureau meeting reviewing preparations for the 10th ordinary session and external developments, while Summer University sessions in Boumerdes featured lectures on international law, human rights in occupied territories, and how Sahrawi diplomacy counters Morocco’s narrative. Ceuta Border Crisis: Morocco and Spain tightened controls after social media calls for another mass attempt into Ceuta; Moroccan riot police detained nearly 300 near Castillejos and prevented crossings, following the July 30 surge that killed dozens and flooded the enclave. Colombia Shifts on Western Sahara: Colombia’s new administration recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, reversing earlier support for independence, signaling a new bilateral chapter with Rabat. U.S.-Morocco Economic Push (Dakhla): U.S. Embassy officials visited Dakhla Atlantic Port as Washington expands engagement in southern Morocco, including Western Sahara-linked development messaging. Laayoune Green Ammonia Study: ORNX selected KBR for USTDA-funded pre-FEED work on a low-cost ammonia project in Morocco’s Laayoune region, targeting about 560,000 tons annually.

MINURSO Command Update: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Pakistan’s Major General Jawwad Ahmed as the new Force Commander of MINURSO, succeeding a Bangladeshi general who finished his tour, with a farewell held in Laayoune. Sahrawi Cause at Summer University: In Boumerdes, Polisario and Sahrawi Republic executives’ Summer University sessions focused on international law, decolonization, human rights in occupied territories, and how Sahrawi diplomacy and digital media can counter disinformation. Polisario Internal Review: Brahim Ghali chaired the Permanent Bureau meeting of the National Secretariat to review preparations for the 10th ordinary session and assess recent national and external activities, including Summer University and youth programs. Ceuta Border Crackdown: Spain’s North African enclaves stayed tense after social-media calls for a new surge; Moroccan police detained nearly 300 would-be crossers near Castillejos and prevented mass attempts, following the July 30 disaster. U.S.-Morocco Economic Push in Dakhla: U.S. Embassy officials visited Dakhla Atlantic Port as Washington expands engagement in southern Morocco, linking it to broader investment plans that include Western Sahara. Media Governance Tension: TV5MONDE’s move toward Moroccan participation in governance is drawing scrutiny over alleged favorable coverage concerns and editorial independence. Colombia Shifts Sahara Policy: Colombia’s new administration recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, reversing its earlier support for independence and signaling a fresh bilateral chapter. Green Ammonia Deal: KBR was selected for ORNX’s U.S.-funded pre-FEED study for a low-cost ammonia project tied to Laayoune’s renewable and port infrastructure.

U.S.-Morocco Economic Push in the South: A U.S. Embassy team visited the Dakhla Atlantic Port, signaling deeper Washington engagement in southern Morocco after Trump’s call to expand investment and development, including in the Western Sahara territory. Ceuta Migration Fallout: A new wave of online calls to cross into Spain’s Ceuta spread via fake accounts and false rumours, prompting renewed border-security steps as Spain warned the border would not open. MINURSO Command Update: The UN appointed Pakistan’s Maj. Gen. Jawwad Ahmed as the new MINURSO Force Commander, replacing a Bangladeshi general, with a farewell ceremony held in Laayoune. Sahrawi Cause in Focus: Algeria-based Summer University events highlighted Sahrawi diplomacy, international law, and alleged human-rights violations, while stressing self-determination as a decolonization right. Laayoune Green Ammonia Deal: U.S. firm KBR was selected for ORNX’s U.S.-funded Pre-FEED study for a world-scale low-carbon ammonia project in the Laayoune region, targeting about 560,000 tons annually. Ceuta Turns Into Moroccan Domestic Politics: Islamist and socialist opposition parties attacked Morocco’s government over the Ceuta crisis, calling for an independent investigation and criticizing the handling of the emergency.

Ceuta Crossing Rumours: A new social-media push is circulating ahead of 15 August, reviving claims that Spain’s Ceuta border will be “exceptionally opened” on a holiday—despite Guardia Civil warnings that the border is closed and new barriers are in place. MINURSO Leadership: The UN has appointed Pakistan’s Major General Jawwad Ahmed as the new Force Commander of MINURSO in Western Sahara, succeeding a Bangladeshi general in a Laayoune handover. Sahrawi Cause at Summer University: In Boumerdes, Polisario/Sahrawi Republic events featured lectures on digital narratives, natural resources, and international law—reaffirming self-determination and denouncing what organizers call Moroccan occupation abuses. Green Ammonia Deal Linked to Laayoune: KBR was selected to run a USTDA-backed Pre-FEED study for ORNX’s low-cost ammonia project in Morocco’s Laayoune region, targeting about 560,000 tons a year. Diplomacy Shift: Colombia’s new administration has recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and froze ties with the Sahrawi independence movement, reversing its earlier stance. Ceuta Turns Into Domestic Politics: Moroccan Islamist and socialist opposition parties are demanding accountability and an independent probe into the July Ceuta crisis as the country heads toward elections.

MINURSO Command Update: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Pakistan’s Maj. Gen. Jawwad Ahmed as the new Force Commander of MINURSO in Western Sahara, succeeding a Bangladeshi general and marking a fresh leadership handover at the mission’s Laayoune headquarters. Sahrawi Cause in Algeria: At the Polisario Front and Sahrawi Republic Summer University in Boumerdes, Algerian academics and officials pushed Sahrawi diplomacy, digital outreach, and the legal case for self-determination, while lectures highlighted alleged Moroccan restrictions on observers and resource plunder. Green Ammonia Push Linked to Laayoune: ORNX Green Hydrogen selected U.S. firm KBR for the Pre-FEED study of a world-scale low-cost ammonia project in Morocco’s Laayoune region, targeting about 560,000 tons per year and around 900 MW of electrolyzer capacity, backed by USTDA support. Diplomatic Shock for Western Sahara: Colombia’s new administration recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and froze ties with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, reversing its earlier Petro-era stance. Ceuta Fallout and Regional Politics: Commentary and reporting around the late-July Ceuta migrant crisis kept fueling political pressure in Spain and broader debate over migration, borders, and external pressures tied to North Africa.

MINURSO Leadership: The UN appointed Pakistan’s Maj. Gen. Jawwad Ahmed as the new Force Commander of MINURSO in Western Sahara, replacing a Bangladeshi general who finished his term earlier this month. Sahrawi Diplomacy & Law: At Algeria’s Summer University for Sahrawi executives, speakers stressed that Sahrawi self-determination is firmly established in international law and UN resolutions, while also detailing alleged Moroccan restrictions on observers, expression, and assembly. Brahim Ghali’s Message: Polisario Secretary-General Brahim Ghali condemned EU dealings with Morocco over what he called the plundering of Sahrawi resources, linking the issue to wider European security and migration pressures. Colombia Shifts: Colombia’s new government recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, froze ties with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, and signaled a fresh push for strategic partnership with Rabat. Ceuta Fallout in Morocco: Islamist and socialist opposition parties attacked Morocco’s government over the Ceuta border crisis, calling for accountability and an independent investigation. Energy/Industry: KBR was selected to run a USTDA-funded pre-FEED study for ORNX’s Laayoune green ammonia project in Morocco, targeting 560,000 tons per year and 900 MW of electrolyzer capacity.

FIFA Politics in Africa: CAF backed Gianni Infantino amid the FIFA election storm, but analysts warn African votes may not hold as members have a history of breaking ranks. Energy & Jobs in Laayoune: KBR was picked by ORNX Green Hydrogen for U.S.-funded Pre-FEED on a world-scale, low-cost ammonia project in Laâyoune, targeting about 560,000 tons a year and ~900 MW of electrolyser capacity. Sahrawi Cause via Summer University: In Boumerdes, Polisario and Sahrawi State events featured lectures on international law and self-determination, with speakers citing UN resolutions and court rulings while describing ongoing violations in occupied areas. Western Sahara Diplomacy Shift: Colombia formally recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and froze ties with the Sahrawi independence movement, signaling a new alignment with Rabat. Ceuta Fallout & Moroccan Domestic Politics: Moroccan Islamist and socialist parties escalated criticism of the government over the Ceuta border crisis, calling for an independent probe and pushing for accountability ahead of elections. Media Freedom Debate: Reporters Without Borders clashed with CNN over sourcing standards, as the RSF press-freedom index controversy reignited scrutiny of how conflicts are scored.

Sahrawi Self-Determination Under International Law: At the 14th Summer University in Boumerdes, Polisario and Sahrawi officials pushed a legal case that UN resolutions since 1963 affirm the right to self-determination and that Morocco’s presence amounts to occupation, citing ICJ and African Union positions. Ceuta Crisis and EU Politics: Coverage around the late-July Ceuta border surge keeps spotlighting how migration is being used as leverage in wider EU-Morocco tensions, with residents demanding support and EU unity strained by competing national responses. Brahim Ghali Condemns EU Deals: Ghali also accused the EU of disregarding international legitimacy while engaging with Morocco over alleged plundering of Sahrawi resources, linking the issue to broader security risks. Colombia Breaks With RASD: Colombia’s new government recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and withdrew recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, freezing ties with the independence movement. Energy and Infrastructure in the Region: Separate reporting says KBR was picked for ORNX’s USTDA-backed pre-FEED on a low-carbon ammonia project in Laayoune, while other updates track expansion of Morocco-linked wind capacity in occupied Western Sahara.

Energy & Investment: KBR was picked by ORNX Green Hydrogen to run technology licensing and Pre-FEED for a large low-cost ammonia project in Morocco’s Laâyoune region, backed by the US Trade and Development Agency, targeting about 560,000 tonnes a year using roughly 900MW of electrolyser capacity and aiming at export markets. Sahrawi Politics & UN Track: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali condemned EU dealings with Morocco over alleged plundering of Sahrawi resources and reiterated that any “just and final” solution must enable Sahrawis’ right to self-determination, as a Summer University for Sahrawi executives opened in Boumerdes with Algerian officials and parties voicing renewed solidarity. Regional Diplomacy Shift: Colombia withdrew recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and froze ties, while recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara—moves framed as a new start in Rabat–Bogotá relations. Ceuta Crisis & EU Politics: The fallout from the late-July migrant surge into Spain’s Ceuta continues to dominate European debate, with residents demanding support as thousands remain, and analysts arguing the episode is being used as political leverage tied to broader North Africa instability. Algeria–France Trade: Algeria’s government data shows a sharp 23% drop in goods trade with France over the past year, alongside tighter import controls.

Western Sahara Diplomacy: Polisario chief Brahim Ghali condemned the EU’s dealings with Morocco over alleged plundering of Sahrawi resources, linking it to pressure tactics including the Ceuta migrant crisis and claims of Moroccan nationals behind attacks in Europe. Self-Determination Push: Ghali also reiterated that any “just and final solution” must let Sahrawis exercise self-determination, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and urging a firm UN stance against Morocco’s status-quo approach. Algeria Solidarity: Boumerdes Governor Fawzia Naama praised the Sahrawi cause as a decolonization issue and reaffirmed provincial support as the 14th Summer University for Sahrawi executives opened in Boumerdes. Ceuta Fallout & EU Politics: A week after tens of thousands crossed into Spain’s Ceuta, residents demanded support for those still in the city; reporting also keeps spotlighting how migration became a political lever and how EU coordination broke down. Colombia Reverses Course: Colombia’s new government withdrew recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, signaling a “new beginning” in ties with Rabat. Regional Security Claims: A former French counter-intelligence operative alleged an Iran–Hezbollah–Polisario network, while US lawmakers reportedly move to target Polisario over alleged Iran links.

Ceuta Migrant Crisis and EU Response: Tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta on July 30-31, overwhelming local services and triggering an EU-wide political storm; Spain said it turned back nearly 70,000, while dozens died and thousands of minors and other migrants remained in the city, pushing residents to demand more support and forcing EU interior ministers to meet and debate tougher migration measures. Morocco’s Leverage via Western Sahara: Multiple reports tie the Ceuta shock to Morocco’s broader bargaining power, with Western Sahara at the center—Rabat is portrayed as using migration pressure while the UN and Western powers increasingly focus on Morocco’s autonomy approach. Colombia Reverses Sahara Policy: Colombia’s new government withdrew recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and froze ties, instead recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara—an abrupt shift from the Petro era that could open new trade and strategic cooperation. US Moves Against Polisario: US lawmakers introduced a bill to investigate alleged Polisario-Iran links, with potential sanctions and a terrorist designation if findings support it. Sahrawi Women Under Pressure: Sahrawi women’s representatives in exile and abroad renewed calls highlighting intimidation, abuse, and rights violations tied to Morocco’s occupation, linking women’s activism to the broader political prisoner situation.

Colombia–Western Sahara: Colombia’s new government has withdrawn recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and says it will freeze political and diplomatic ties with the RASD, citing UN non-recognition, while reaffirming Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. Diplomatic Fallout: Analysts say the shift could unlock new Morocco–Colombia cooperation in trade, investment, and security, with Rabat framing it as a “historic” reset. Ceuta Crisis: After the July 30–31 surge into Spain’s North African enclave, residents in Ceuta are still demanding support as fears grow of another mass crossing; reports also highlight a death after a paraglider attempt and ongoing debate over what triggered the border breach. Migration as Leverage: Commentators argue the Ceuta episode became a political weapon across Europe, with EU leaders pushing tougher anti-smuggling measures and blaming disinformation and criminal networks while questions remain about coordination. Sahrawi Rights: Sahrawi women’s representatives in exile renewed calls on human rights protections, linking abuses in occupied territories to the broader situation of Sahrawi political prisoners. US–Polisario Pressure: Two US lawmakers introduced a bill to investigate alleged Iran links to Polisario, potentially paving the way for sanctions and a terrorist designation.

Colombia–Western Sahara: Colombia’s new government says it recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and withdraws recognition of the Polisario-backed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, calling it a “new beginning” and opening the door to deeper political and trade ties. Ceuta border crisis: After the July 30 surge of tens of thousands of people into Spain’s enclave of Ceuta, Spain says most have returned to Morocco, but the episode left dozens dead and thousands of minors and others needing protection; a migrant also died trying to paraglide into Ceuta. Migration as pressure: Multiple reports and analysts argue the Ceuta breach exposed how border controls can be disrupted and how migration may be used in regional power games, with Europe divided on responsibility and next steps. Algeria–Morocco migration front: Algeria is reported to be moving sub-Saharan migrants toward its border with Morocco under military escort, adding pressure to an already tense rivalry. Polisario–Iran allegations: US lawmakers push bipartisan legislation to investigate alleged Polisario-Iran links, with potential sanctions and a terrorist designation if findings support it. Sahrawi women: Sahrawi women’s leaders denounce intimidation and rights violations under Moroccan occupation, linking abuses to the broader struggle and detention of political prisoners.

Ceuta Border Tragedy: A migrant died after trying to paraglide from Morocco into Spain’s Ceuta, falling into the sea near the northern border as authorities warned of renewed mass-crossing attempts after the July 30 surge. EU Migration Politics: The crisis left Europe debating Schengen, solidarity, and tougher anti-smuggling steps, with Ceuta officials saying thousands still remain and that security is effectively in Morocco’s hands. Morocco’s Leverage & Algeria Angle: Reports claim Algeria is moving sub-Saharan migrants toward its border with Morocco under military escort, echoing coercive migration tactics seen around Ceuta. Western Sahara Diplomacy Shift: Colombia’s new government recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and withdrew recognition of the Polisario-linked SADR, framing it as a “new beginning” and opening trade talks. US Lawmakers Target Polisario: Bipartisan US legislation would push for a probe of alleged Iran ties and could lead to sanctions and a terrorist designation. Sahrawi Women Under Occupation: In Benin, Sahrawi women’s union leaders condemned intimidation and rights violations in occupied territories, linking them to the broader plight of political prisoners. POLISARIO at UN: A POLISARIO representative accused Morocco of using its people as “cannon fodder” and of destabilizing the region.

Ceuta Crisis Fallout: Tens of thousands of mostly young Moroccans surged into Spain’s enclave of Ceuta on July 30-31, with estimates near 72,000 entries in 24 hours and dozens dead; while most returned to Morocco, Ceuta’s president Juan Jesús Vivas says 3,000–5,000 still remain and warns residents feel “sad, helpless, anxious,” pushing for “immediate expulsion” and arguing Spain’s security is effectively in Morocco’s hands. EU Solidarity Strains: The episode triggered emergency EU politics, with some states demanding tougher controls and even Schengen moves, while debate raged over who enabled the breach and whether Europe failed to coordinate. Algeria–Morocco Migration Pressure: Reports say Algeria is moving sub-Saharan migrants toward its border with Morocco under military escort, framed as deliberate pressure amid wider regional tensions. Western Sahara Diplomacy Shift: Colombia’s new government announced it recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, reversing its prior stance toward the Polisario-linked SADR, with officials calling it a “new beginning.” US Lawmakers Target Polisario: Two US lawmakers introduced a bill to investigate alleged Iran ties to the Polisario, with possible sanctions and terrorist designation. Sahrawi Women Under Occupation: In Benin, NUSW Secretary-General Shaba Saini highlighted intimidation and abuses against Sahrawi women in occupied territories and linked it to the broader situation of political prisoners. POLISARIO Response: Frente POLISARIO UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar condemned Morocco for using its own people as “cannon fodder” and for destabilizing the region, while offering condolences for Ceuta victims.

Colombia–Western Sahara Pivot: Colombia’s new government says it recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, withdrawing recognition of the Polisario-linked Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and calling the move a “new beginning” for ties with Rabat. Ceuta Border Shock: After the late-July surge into Spain’s Ceuta enclave, most migrants were returned to Morocco, but thousands remained and residents say their security is effectively “in the hands of a third country,” with EU unity strained. US–Polisario Pressure: Two US lawmakers push a bipartisan bill to investigate alleged Iran links to the Polisario, with possible sanctions and a terrorist designation. Sahrawi Women Under Occupation: In Benin, the NUSW secretary-general highlights intimidation and abuse of Sahrawi women in occupied territories, linking it to political prisoners and long exile. Narrative War on Resistance: A commentary argues colonial powers routinely brand liberation struggles as “terrorism” to delegitimize self-determination. Local Solidarity: A French mayor hosts Sahrawi and Palestinian children, reaffirming support for self-determination and international law. UESARIO Congress: UESARIO’s fifth congress in El Aaiun Wilaya reviews narrative and finances while stressing student repression and the role of youth in the national struggle.