AGP Executive Report

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.

U.S.-UN Diplomacy: U.S. Permanent Representative Mike Waltz met in New York with the Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP), a breakaway group from Polisario, urging that “the world should hear” Sahrawi voices backing a durable solution under UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s Autonomy plan. UN Negotiations: The meeting follows UN envoy Staffan de Mistura’s consultations with Algeria, Polisario, Mauritania and U.S. senior adviser Massad Boulos, aimed at restarting quadripartite talks without preconditions. Border Security: A U.S. mission delegation made its first publicly announced visit to Morocco’s El Guerguerat crossing to discuss border security, counter-narcotics and human trafficking—an area repeatedly flagged by the UN as sensitive. Human Rights Pressure: Front Line Defenders urged Morocco to release Sahrawi political prisoner Naama Asfari, citing a worsening health situation during an open-ended hunger strike. Regional Support: Namibia renewed calls for the UN to lead the dispute resolution through dialogue and multilateral mechanisms, reiterating support for Sahrawi self-determination.

UN Rights & Self-Determination: POLISARIO’s UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar said neither Morocco nor any foreign state can “trade” Sahrawi rights or decide their destiny, pointing to UN-led talks tied to UNSC Resolution 2797. Diplomatic Push: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah renewed calls for the UN to lead the Western Sahara process, stressing dialogue over confrontation after meeting Sahrawi envoy Mohamed Yeslem Beissat. Human Rights Under Pressure: Front Line Defenders urged Morocco to release Sahrawi prisoner Naama Asfari after a hunger strike and warned of medical neglect and reprisals; in Geneva, Sahrawi lawyer Mohamed Hali also accused Morocco of using the judiciary to retaliate against rights defenders, while Aminatou Haidar warned AI and digital tools are being used to target Sahrawi women activists. Spain Nationality Law: Spain’s Congress advanced a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with July approval expected after PSOE–Sumar alignment. U.S. Border Security: A U.S. mission delegation visited El Guerguerat to discuss border security, counter-trafficking and drug smuggling, underscoring regional cooperation. UN Accountability: UNSC Resolution 2823 adopted measures to prosecute crimes against UN peacekeepers, raising pressure after attacks on MINURSO-linked forces.

Spanish Nationality Push: Spain’s Congress subcommittee has advanced a bill to grant Spanish nationality to Sahrawis born in Western Sahara under Spanish administration, with July approval expected after PSOE, Sumar and left partners reached a deal; PP and Vox opposed. Human Rights Under Pressure: Front Line Defenders urged Morocco to immediately release Sahrawi political prisoner Naama Asfari, warning of serious health deterioration after a hunger strike. UN Rights Council Alarm: In Geneva, Sahrawi lawyer Mohamed Hali said Morocco uses the judiciary to retaliate against Sahrawi defenders, while Aminatou Haidar warned AI and digital tools are being used to intensify surveillance and discrimination against Sahrawi women activists. Diplomatic Track: Namibia renewed calls for the UN to lead Western Sahara talks, stressing dialogue over confrontation. El Guerguerat Security: A first U.S. mission visit to El Guerguerat focused on border security, counter-trafficking and drug smuggling, underscoring regional cooperation. UN Accountability Move: The UN Security Council adopted measures targeting crimes against UN peacekeepers, raising pressure on perpetrators of attacks in the Sahara.

El Guerguerat & U.S.-Morocco Security: A U.S. Mission delegation made its first publicly announced visit to the El Guerguerat crossing, discussing border security, counter-narcotics, human trafficking, and interagency coordination—an issue repeatedly flagged as a flashpoint in the Western Sahara dispute. UN Human Rights Pressure: In Geneva, Sahrawi lawyer Mohamed Hali said Moroccan authorities use the judiciary to retaliate against Sahrawi human rights defenders, while Aminatou Haidar warned that AI and digital tools are being used to intensify surveillance and discrimination against Sahrawi women activists. Diplomacy in Southern Africa: Namibia received a message from Polisario leader Brahim Ghali and reaffirmed support for self-determination; Angola also hosted Sahrawi foreign affairs talks. Spain’s Nationality Route: Spain’s parliament revived a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, after renewed backing from Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and renewed momentum in Congress. UN Accountability Move: The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2823 on accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers, raising pressure on Polisario-linked attacks. Colombia Shift: Colombia’s rightward turn after President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella’s win is drawing scrutiny over future policy toward the Polisario and Western Sahara. World Cup Politics: A lighter item: Morocco’s “MAR” code on World Cup scoreboards is explained as coming from the French “Maroc,” tied to colonial-era naming.

U.S.-Sahara Row: Massad Boulos denied Polisario-linked rumors that he was being removed over the Moroccan Sahara file, saying he is staying on as Trump’s senior advisor and that claims are “completely false.” Border Security: A U.S. mission delegation made its first publicly announced visit to Morocco’s El Guerguerat crossing to discuss border security, counter-narcotics, and human trafficking—an area repeatedly flagged as a flashpoint in the Western Sahara dispute. UN Rights Pressure: In Geneva, Sahrawi lawyer Mohamed Hali said Moroccan authorities use the judiciary to retaliate against human rights defenders, while Aminatou Haidar warned that AI and digital tools are being used to intensify surveillance and discrimination against Sahrawi women activists. Legal Accountability: The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2823 to strengthen accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers, raising pressure on Algeria-backed armed groups after attacks on UN personnel. Diplomatic Outreach: Namibia’s president received the Sahrawi foreign minister and reiterated support for self-determination, urging the UN to keep a central role. Spain Nationality Move: Spain revived a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, after renewed backing from Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares. Latin America Shift: Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella praised Morocco’s king and signals a new era with Rabat, adding fresh pressure on Polisario’s standing.

Diplomatic Outreach: Sahrawi Foreign Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat met Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Windhoek, delivering Brahim Ghali’s message and pressing UN-led steps toward self-determination. Human Rights & Law: In Geneva, Sahrawi lawyer Mohamed Hali told the UN Human Rights Council that Moroccan authorities use the judiciary to retaliate against Sahrawi defenders, calling for protection and an end to intimidation. UN Accountability: The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2823 on accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers, raising pressure on Polisario-linked attackers after rocket attacks. Border Security: The US made its first publicly announced visit to Morocco’s El Guerguerat crossing to discuss border security, counter-narcotics and trafficking—an issue tied to the Western Sahara dispute. Spain’s Nationality Push: Spain’s Congress revived a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration after Albares signaled support, with a committee vote expected soon. UK Self-Determination Move: British MPs tabled a motion urging the UK to back a Sahrawi self-determination referendum and to stop treating Western Sahara tourism as Morocco. Regional Politics: Colombia’s rightward shift after President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella’s win is already drawing scrutiny over Polisario policy and Rabat ties.

Judicial Retaliation in Western Sahara: In Geneva, Sahrawi lawyer and human rights defender Dr. Mohamed Hali told the UN Human Rights Council that Moroccan authorities use the judiciary to punish and silence Sahrawi activists and lawyers, calling it a breach of judicial independence and international standards. Digital Surveillance Warning: Aminatou Haidar warned at the UN that AI and digital tools are being used to intensify surveillance, harassment, and restrictions targeting Sahrawi women human rights defenders. El Guerguerat Border Security: The US Mission to Morocco made its first publicly announced visit to El Guerguerat, discussing border security, counter-narcotics, and human trafficking—an area repeatedly flagged as a flashpoint in the Western Sahara dispute. UN Accountability Push: The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2823 to ensure crimes against UN peacekeepers face justice, raising pressure on Polisario-linked attacks. Spain Nationality Bill: Spain’s parliament revived a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration after renewed support from Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares. Latin America Shift: Colombia’s rightward turn after the election of Abelardo de la Espriella is framed as a setback for Polisario diplomacy and a boost for Morocco’s territorial integrity stance.

UN Security Council Accountability: The UNSC adopted Resolution 2823 to ensure crimes against UN peacekeepers face justice, authorizing fact-finding and investigations after attacks—raising pressure on Algeria-backed Polisario militias after rocket strikes. El Guerguerat Border Security: A first publicly announced US Mission visit to El Guerguerat focused on border security, counter-narcotics, human trafficking, and interagency coordination, underscoring the corridor’s role in trade and West Africa links. Spain Nationality Push: Spain’s Congress revived a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with lawmakers moving after Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said he is “completely in favour.” Human Rights & AI: Aminatou Haidar told the UN Human Rights Council that AI and digital tools risk boosting surveillance and harassment of Sahrawi women defenders. Latin America Shift: Colombia’s rightward turn after President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella’s win is seen as a setback for Polisario, with Rabat banking on renewed ties. Self-Determination Referendum Call: British MPs urged the UK to use its UN Security Council role to back a Sahrawi self-determination referendum and end “occupation.” Diplomatic Outreach: Sahrawi officials met Angola and Mozambique counterparts, reaffirming support for self-determination and ongoing political dialogue.

UK Politics & UN Diplomacy: Six British MPs backed a motion urging the UK to use its UN Security Council influence to support a referendum on Sahrawi self-determination, citing ongoing conflict and human rights violations, and also calling on Ryanair to stop promoting Western Sahara as part of Morocco. UN Accountability: The UN Security Council adopted a resolution strengthening accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers, raising pressure on Polisario-linked attacks after rocket strikes on the UN Mission in the Sahara. Human Rights & Tech: Aminatou Haidar told the UN Human Rights Council that Morocco is using digital tools and AI to intensify surveillance and targeting of Sahrawi women human rights defenders. Border Security & Trade: A US delegation visited El Guergarate to discuss border security cooperation, warning against attempts to disrupt the key land crossing for trade between Morocco and West Africa. Sahrawi Diplomacy: Brahim Ghali sent condolences to Venezuela after earthquakes and continued diplomatic outreach with Angola and Mozambique. EU Trade Watch: SONREP warned the EU against including products from occupied Western Sahara in EU-Morocco trade arrangements, saying it would breach CJEU rulings requiring Sahrawi consent.

UN Accountability: The UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2823 to ensure crimes against UN peacekeepers are investigated and prosecuted, a move Polisario-linked armed actors are said to fear after attacks on the UN Mission in the Sahara. Diplomatic Outreach: Sahrawi Foreign Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat met Angola’s Secretary of State for Foreign Relations in Luanda, delivering a written message from Brahim Ghali and securing Angola’s support for an FAO leadership candidacy. Condolences & Solidarity: Ghali sent condolences to Venezuela after a deadly earthquake and to Timor-Leste/FRETILIN after the death of Francisco Guterres “Lu Olo,” reaffirming Sahrawi solidarity. Spanish Politics: In Spain, cross-party talks are set to resume on a bill granting Spanish nationality to people born in Western Sahara during Spanish administration, after PSOE and Sumar moved closer. Human Rights Pressure: Sahrawi groups in New York urged the UN Committee of 24 to address alleged land seizures, home demolitions, and transfers to foreign investors in occupied Western Sahara. International Support Networks: Italy’s Tuscany region announced a cross-party parliamentary group backing the Sahrawi right to self-determination, while Germany’s Die Linke congress hosted Polisario Front representation.

SADR-Diplomacy: Sahrawi President Brahim Ghali sent a message to Angola’s João Lourenço via Luanda, as SADR foreign minister Mohamed Yeslem Bayset delivered it in the context of long-running Angola–SADR political dialogue, while Angola’s side received a FAO leadership candidacy. Spanish Politics & Nationality: Spain’s Congress justice subcommittee is set to resume work next Tuesday on a bill granting Spanish nationality to people born in Western Sahara during Spanish administration, after PSOE and Sumar moved closer and Sahrawi-origin MP Tesh Sidi pushed back against prior delays. UN & Human Rights: In New York, Sahrawi human rights defenders (CODESA) told the UN Decolonization Committee that land seizures, home demolitions, and transfers to foreign investors in Western Sahara are deepening the occupation’s impact. EU Trade Fight: SONREP warned the European Commission against including Western Sahara agricultural products in EU–Morocco trade arrangements, saying it would violate CJEU rulings requiring Sahrawi consent. International Solidarity: Italy’s Tuscany region announced a cross-party parliamentary group to support the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, while Polisario-linked delegations also continued outreach in Germany’s Die Linke congress. Regional Politics: Colombia’s rightward shift after the election of Abelardo de la Espriella is putting Polisario policy under scrutiny, with Rabat watching for a break from Petro-era positions.

Diplomatic Outreach: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali sent congratulations to Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed Ali on electoral victory and to Mozambique’s President Daniel Francisco Chapo on the 51st independence anniversary, reaffirming Sahrawi ties with African partners. Mozambique Talks: Sahrawi Foreign Affairs minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat delivered Ghali’s written message to Maputo, briefing on Western Sahara developments while Mozambique reiterated support for self-determination. International Solidarity in Europe: Tuscany’s regional council announced a cross-party parliamentary group backing the Sahrawi cause, while a Polisario delegation attended Germany’s Die Linke congress to strengthen progressive alliances. UN & Rights Pressure: Sahrawi human rights defenders (CODESA) told the UN Committee of 24 in New York about land seizures, home demolitions, and transfers to foreign firms; SONREP warned the EU-Morocco trade push for Western Sahara farm products would breach CJEU rulings without Sahrawi consent. Spain Political Fallout: Spain’s ERC plans to press Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares over what it says is the government’s silence after a drone attack killing Polisario members, as Canary Islands groups renewed calls to classify Polisario as terrorism.

SADR-Diplomacy: Polisario chief Brahim Ghali sent congratulations to Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo on the 51st independence anniversary, stressing shared ties and support for self-determination in Africa. SADR-UNHCR: Ghali also marked the end of UNHCR representative Alistair Bolton’s mission in Algeria, thanking him for work with Sahrawi partners and support in the refugee camps. Mozambique-Field Updates: Sahrawi foreign affairs minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat met Chapo to deliver Ghali’s message and brief him on latest developments on the Sahrawi issue, with Mozambique reaffirming backing for independence. EU Trade-Legal Fight: SONREP warned the European Commission against including products from occupied Western Sahara in EU-Morocco trade deals, saying it would violate CJEU rulings requiring Sahrawi consent. Spain-Political Pressure: In Spain’s Congress, ERC plans to demand answers from Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares over what it calls government silence after a drone attack killing Polisario members. Italy-Solidarity: Tuscany’s regional council announced a cross-party parliamentary group to support the Sahrawi cause and self-determination. Human Rights Spotlight: CODESA told the UN Committee of 24 in New York that land seizures, home demolitions, and transfers to foreign firms continue in occupied Western Sahara.

Diplomatic Outreach: The Polisario Front’s Secretary-General Brahim Ghali sent a written message via Foreign Affairs minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat to Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo, with Maputo reaffirming support for Sahrawi self-determination and independence. UN & Human Rights Pressure: In New York, CODESA warned the UN Committee of 24 about land seizures, home demolitions and transfers to foreign investors in occupied Western Sahara, while African states reiterated calls for a self-determination referendum. EU Trade Fight: SONREP urged the EU to stop including Western Sahara agricultural products in EU-Morocco trade deals, citing CJEU rulings requiring Sahrawi consent. Parliamentary Solidarity: Tuscany’s regional council announced a cross-party group backing the Sahrawi cause, and a Sahrawi delegation began a working visit to Switzerland to raise awareness of rights violations. Spain Legal Debate: Spanish lawmakers and victims’ groups renewed calls to reassess Polisario’s status, including demands for terrorism designation. Prisoner Rights: France’s MRAP backed Naama Asfari’s hunger strike and urged Morocco to comply with UN decisions. Regional Diplomacy: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura met Algeria and Polisario in the region as parties show reluctance toward UNSC 2797’s autonomy-based process.

UN Diplomacy & Human Rights: Sahrawi human rights defenders (CODESA) told the UN Committee of 24 that Morocco’s occupation includes land seizures, home demolitions, and transfers to foreign investors without Sahrawi consent, while NOVACT and ACAPS pushed at the UN Human Rights Council for stronger international solidarity and accountability tied to their 2025 Western Sahara human rights report. EU Trade Dispute: SONREP warned the European Commission against including agricultural products from occupied Western Sahara in EU-Morocco trade deals, saying it would breach EU court rulings requiring Sahrawi consent. Political Pressure in Europe: Spain’s far-right Vox and Canary Islands victims’ groups renewed calls to reassess Polisario’s status, including demands to classify it as a terrorist organization. Regional Solidarity: Tuscany’s Regional Council in Italy announced a cross-party parliamentary group backing the Sahrawi right to self-determination, and a Sahrawi parliamentary delegation continued outreach in Switzerland. UN Process Update: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura met leaders in the region as parties debated UNSC Resolution 2797 and the autonomy track. State-to-State Signals: President Brahim Ghali sent condolences over Timor-Leste leader Francisco Guterres “Lu Olo,” and UNHCR’s outgoing Algeria representative Alistair Bolton was honored in the camps.