AGP Executive Report

UN Humanitarian Diplomacy: Polisario Secretary-General Brahim Ghali held two ceremonies in Shaheed El Hafed to bid farewell to outgoing UNHCR Representative in Algeria, Alistair Bolton, praising his work in Sahrawi refugee camps and coordination with UN agencies and MINURSO. Western Sahara Scholarship: A new book, “Western Sahara and Hungary,” was published in Budapest, drawing on Eastern European communist archives and focusing on the territory’s colonial history and decolonization. EU Trade & Law: SONREP warned that any move by the European Commission to include agricultural products from occupied Western Sahara in EU-Morocco trade arrangements would violate CJEU rulings and require Sahrawi consent via the Polisario Front. Human Rights at the UN: CODESA told the UN Committee of 24 in New York about land seizures, home demolitions, and transfers to foreign investors; meanwhile Geneva events around the 2025 annual human rights report highlighted repression, restrictions on civic freedoms, and calls for accountability. Political Outreach: A Polisario Front delegation in Germany joined the 10th Congress of Die Linke in Potsdam, seeking solidarity for self-determination and sovereignty over natural resources. Regional Politics: Namibia, Angola and other African states reiterated support for Sahrawi self-determination before the UN Committee of 24, while UN envoy Staffan de Mistura continued consultations in the region ahead of Security Council engagement.

Terrorism Design Push in Spain: A forum in Spain’s Canary Islands urged authorities to reassess Polisario’s status and consider designating it a terrorist group, citing attacks attributed to the movement against Spanish civilians and assets in the 1970s-80s, while victims’ groups demanded clearer accountability. EU Trade Legal Fight: SONREP warned the European Commission against including agricultural products from occupied Western Sahara in EU-Morocco trade deals, saying it would breach CJEU rulings requiring Sahrawi consent. UN Rights Spotlight in Geneva: At UN Human Rights Council side events, Sahrawi and international groups presented the 2025 annual human rights report, alleging intensified repression, land confiscations, drone strikes, and an information blockade, with calls for real accountability beyond documentation. UN Decolonization Diplomacy: African states reiterated support for Sahrawi self-determination at the UN Committee of 24, while Mauritania’s UN envoy Staffan de Mistura met regional leaders amid continued disagreement over UNSC 2797 and the autonomy track. Political Outreach: A Sahrawi parliamentary delegation visited Switzerland to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and raise awareness of human rights violations and the national cause. Prisoner Hunger Strike Support: France’s MRAP backed Naama Asfari, urging Morocco to release him and comply with UN decisions amid his open-ended hunger strike.

EU trade dispute: SONREP says the European Commission’s reported plan to include agricultural products from occupied Western Sahara in EU-Morocco trade arrangements would violate EU Court of Justice rulings, arguing any deal needs Sahrawi consent via the Polisario Front. Human rights pressure: In Geneva, NOVACT and ACAPS backed a new “Western Sahara: A Year in Review, 2025” report, while Catherine Constantinides urged action beyond documenting abuses; speakers cited land confiscations, civic space restrictions, and a lack of accountability. UN decolonization diplomacy: At the UN’s Committee of 24 in New York, African states—including Namibia, Angola, South Africa, and others—reaffirmed Sahrawi self-determination and called for a UN-supervised referendum, while Morocco defended its autonomy approach. Political institutions: Polisario’s National Council president highlighted rule-of-law institution-building through a lecture on the Sahrawi judicial experience. International solidarity: A Polisario delegation joined Germany’s Die Linke 10th Congress, seeking solidarity for self-determination and independence. Detention case: France’s MRAP urged Morocco to release hunger-striking Sahrawi prisoner Naama Asfari, citing UN decisions.

State Institutions & Rule of Law: Polisario’s National Council president Bachir Mustapha Sayed opened a Spring Session lecture on the judicial experience of the Sahrawi State, stressing that the Front’s long-running strategy is to consolidate the rule of law and strengthen oversight through a more capable judicial system. UN Decolonization Push: At the UN’s Committee of 24 in New York, African and Latin American states again backed Sahrawi self-determination and independence, calling for a UN-supervised referendum and warning that the decolonization file remains unresolved. Human Rights Report in Geneva: In Geneva, Sahrawi and international groups launched the 2025 annual human rights report, with speakers warning of escalating repression, land confiscations, and an information blockade; figures cited include nearly 170 documented violations, with far more uncounted due to lack of access. Prisoner Hunger Strike: France’s MRAP urged President Macron and the French government to press Morocco to release Sahrawi political prisoner Naama Asfari, who has been on an open-ended hunger strike since 8 June. UN Envoy & Political Deadlock: UN Sahara envoy Staffan de Mistura met Mauritania’s president in Nouakchott as he prepares for a Security Council meeting, while Algeria and Polisario signaled reluctance toward UNSC Resolution 2797’s autonomy-based approach. Morocco’s UN Line: Morocco defended its autonomy plan at the Committee of 24, arguing Resolution 2797 sets a new political framework and that referendum approaches no longer fit the UN Security Council track.

Human Rights Under Pressure: Front Line Defenders says at least 358 human rights defenders were killed in 2025 across 28 countries, with funding cuts and armed conflict worsening risks for activists. Spanish Legal Push: A victims’ group at a Canary Islands forum urged Spain to designate the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization over attacks attributed to it in the 1970s-80s, arguing some victims still lack formal recognition and compensation. UN Decolonization at C-24: African and Latin American states renewed calls for Sahrawi self-determination and independence at the UN Committee of 24, while Namibia stressed Western Sahara remains a decolonization case and urged UN steps toward a referendum. UN Political Track: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura met Mauritania’s president in Nouakchott as he prepares for a Security Council meeting, amid reported reluctance from Algeria and Polisario to fully align with UNSC Resolution 2797. Human Rights Report in Geneva: NOVACT and ACAPS, plus Sahrawi and international speakers, launched a 2025 annual human rights report in Geneva, warning of repression, land confiscations, and an information blockade; Catherine Constantinides called for concrete accountability beyond documentation. Prisoner Hunger Strike: France’s MRAP demanded Morocco release Sahrawi political prisoner Naama Asfari, citing UN torture and detention rulings as he continues an open-ended hunger strike. Morocco’s UN Position: Morocco defended its autonomy plan at the UN Committee of 24, rejecting referendum approaches and pointing to growing international support, including consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla.

UN Mediation Update: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped talks across the region, meeting Mauritania’s president in Nouakchott after consultations with Algeria and Polisario, as the UN pushes the next Security Council step tied to Resolution 2797. Diplomatic Pressure & Deadlock: Algeria and Polisario signaled reluctance to fully engage with the resolution’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan, keeping the political process stuck. Human Rights in the Spotlight: In Geneva, Sahrawi and international groups launched the 2025 annual human rights report, citing nearly 170 documented violations, land confiscations, repression, and an information blockade—while calling for real accountability beyond reports. Prisoner Case Escalates: French anti-racism group MRAP urged President Macron to pressure Morocco to release hunger-striking Sahrawi prisoner Naama Asfari, pointing to UN decisions on torture and arbitrary detention. Self-Determination Push at UN: African and Asian states reiterated support for Sahrawi self-determination at the UN C-24, with Namibia stressing decolonization and UN responsibility to organize a referendum. Morocco’s UN Line: Morocco defended its autonomy approach at the UN, arguing it is the most realistic path and rejecting referendum framing. Regional Solidarity: Angola and other partners reaffirmed opposition to colonialism and backed UN-led negotiations under de Mistura. Civil Society Under Threat: A Copenhagen trial began over an arson attack on a Danish Sahrawi solidarity NGO, described as intimidation of pro–self-determination voices.

Human Rights Pressure on Morocco: France-based MRAP urged President Macron to press Morocco to release Sahrawi political prisoner Naama Asfari, citing UN torture and arbitrary detention decisions as his open-ended hunger strike enters its second week. UN Decolonization Diplomacy: At the UN’s C-24 in New York, African and Asian states again backed Sahrawi self-determination and called for a UN-supervised referendum, while Morocco defended its autonomy approach and rejected referendum framing. UN Political Process Update: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura met Mauritania’s president after talks in Algeria and with Polisario, amid reported reluctance by parties to align with UNSC Resolution 2797’s autonomy-based track. Geneva Rights Report Spotlight: In Geneva, NOVACT/ACAPS and human rights advocates launched the 2025 “Year in Review” report, warning of escalating repression, land confiscations, drone strikes, and a persistent information blockade; Catherine Constantinides called for concrete accountability beyond documentation. Regional Solidarity: Angola, Namibia, and other states reiterated support for decolonization and Sahrawi rights, while the Sahrawi Republic highlighted participation in AU “Silencing the Guns” dialogue. Civil Society Under Threat: A Copenhagen trial began over an arson attack on Danish Sahrawi solidarity group Global Aktion, framed by observers as intimidation of pro-Sahrawi civic voices.

Human Rights in Geneva: NOVACT and ACAPS, alongside Sahrawi voices, used a UN Human Rights Council side event to renew calls for international solidarity and accountability, warning that Morocco’s occupation sustains violations while blocking access and visibility; Accountability Demand: Catherine Constantinides said the 2025 “Western Sahara: A Year in Review” report must trigger concrete action beyond documentation, citing intimidation, surveillance, arbitrary detention, and reprisals against defenders; Violation Count: Researcher Hayat Said reported nearly 170 documented violations in 2025, stressing the real toll is higher due to the lack of independent monitoring and bans on observers; Drone Strikes & Blockade: Mahfud Bechri denounced an information blockade, land grabs tied to “green energy,” and deadly drone strikes, including expulsions of international observers since 2014; Legal & Self-Determination Push: UN-linked speakers at multiple Geneva events framed Western Sahara as an unfinished decolonization case, urging consistent application of international law and warning that unilateral approaches erode the UN system; Diplomatic Backing for Self-Determination: Namibia, Angola, and Latin American states reiterated support for Sahrawi self-determination at UN decolonization forums; Morocco’s Counter-Narrative: Morocco defended its autonomy plan at the UN, while a coalition of 40 countries backed Rabat’s sovereignty claim and Resolution 2797; Regional Politics: In Auserd Wilaya, Brahim Ghali reiterated that any solution must be accepted by Sahrawis and guarantee independence, while warning of campaigns to undermine unity; Court Cases in Europe: A Copenhagen trial opened over a 2025 arson attack on Danish NGO Global Aktion, described as intimidation of Western Sahara solidarity.

Human Rights at UN Spotlight: In Geneva, Sahrawi and international advocates used a UN Human Rights Council side event to press for real enforcement of international law in occupied Western Sahara, citing an annual 2025 report documenting nearly 170 violations and warning of a “wall of silence” amid bans on independent monitoring and an information blockade. Drone Strikes & Civic Space: NOVACT’s Mahfud Bechri denounced Moroccan drone strikes, land grabs tied to “green energy,” and the expulsion of international observers, while criticizing European states for silence. Self-Determination Diplomacy: Namibia, Algeria, Angola, and Latin American countries reiterated support for Sahrawi self-determination at UN decolonization forums, while Morocco defended its autonomy approach and UN Resolution 2797 as the basis for talks. Political Process Inside the Polisario: Brahim Ghali opened a meeting of political secretaries and commissars in Auserd Wilaya, stressing that any solution must be accepted by the Sahrawi people and warning of campaigns aimed at undermining unity. Local Governance/Development Claim: Morocco’s state land agency reported approving 308 investment projects on about 32,000 hectares in 2025, with major shares in Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab. Solidarity & Legal Pressure: A Copenhagen trial began over a 2025 arson attack on a Danish solidarity NGO supporting Sahrawi rights, framed by observers as intimidation of civil society.

Top Leadership & UN Process: Polisario chief Brahim Ghali told Auserd Wilaya officials that any Western Sahara solution must be accepted by Sahrawis and guarantee self-determination and independence, calling UN Security Council Resolution 2797 a key reference amid ongoing international maneuvering. Internal Unity & Security Concerns: Ghali also warned of a “systematic” Moroccan campaign to undermine Sahrawi unity, citing alleged drug trafficking and efforts to sow division. Diplomatic Push at the UN (C-24): Angola, Algeria, and Latin American states reiterated support for Sahrawi self-determination and independence, with Nicaragua again calling for a UN-supervised referendum. Human Rights in Geneva: A UN Human Rights Council side event presented a 2025 annual report on occupied Western Sahara, spotlighting alleged land confiscations, rights abuses, and the lack of independent monitoring since 2015. Morocco’s Counter-Narrative: Morocco defended its autonomy approach at UN decolonization talks and framed Resolution 2797 as a “roadmap,” while a coalition of 40 states backed Rabat’s sovereignty line. Civil Society Under Pressure: Denmark’s court began trial over a 2025 arson attack targeting a solidarity NGO supporting Sahrawi rights. Regional AU Peace Track: The Sahrawi Republic joined an AU “Silencing the Guns” dialogue in Accra, backing local roles in conflict prevention.

Security & Conflict: A report claims a senior Polisario commander, Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, was killed by a loitering munition linked to Israeli defense contractor BlueBird, framing it as a deadly “Abraham Accords” spillover into the Western Sahara battlefield. Political Organization: In Auserd Wilaya, Polisario opened a meeting of political secretaries and commissars, with President Brahim Ghali stressing the “Month of Martyrs” context and the need for strong organizational outcomes. UN Human Rights Diplomacy: At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Geneva Support Group and multiple speakers renewed calls for Sahrawi self-determination, warning that the lack of independent monitoring and alleged rights violations in the occupied territory keep undermining the UN system. Legal & UN Process: Morocco’s ambassador Omar Hilale said UNSC Resolution 2797 is an “unprecedented political verdict” and urged moving the dispute through Chapter VI, while Austria and a coalition of 40 countries reiterated support for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. Civil Society & Solidarity: A Copenhagen trial began over an arson attack on Global Aktion’s offices, described as intimidation of European solidarity with the Sahrawi people. Regional Engagement: The Sahrawi Republic joined an AU “Silencing the Guns” dialogue in Accra, presenting its experience in peace and decolonization.

UN Human Rights Council Push for Self-Determination: Mozambique’s Geneva Support Group chair, Ambassador Geraldo Saranga, said African independence is “incomplete” until Sahrawis fully exercise self-determination, calling Morocco’s Western Sahara occupation a gross breach of international law. Legal Order Debate in Geneva: Catherine Constantinides warned that selective international law in the “last unresolved decolonization case” undermines the UN system, while Sahrawi officials like Oubi Buchraya and Malainin Lakhal argued double standards risk normalizing illegal occupation. Human Rights Monitoring Gap: The Geneva Support Group flagged a lack of independent monitoring since 2015 and cited UN treaty-body decisions on Gdeim Izik detainees, including findings of torture-related violations. Morocco’s UNSC 2797 Framing: Morocco’s Ambassador Omar Hilale called UN Security Council Resolution 2797 an “unprecedented political verdict” and criticized the C24 for sticking to outdated decolonization parameters. Diplomatic Pressure on the C24: A parallel push is growing to remove the Sahara file from the UN’s Special Committee on Decolonization, arguing the dispute is now handled through the Security Council’s autonomy-based political track. Courtroom Spotlight in Denmark: A Copenhagen trial began over a 2025 arson attack on Global Aktion, a Danish NGO supporting Sahrawi rights, with prosecutors linking suspects to a banned group and pro-Moroccan graffiti. AU Peace Initiative: The Sahrawi Republic joined an AU “Silencing the Guns” dialogue in Accra, stressing local roles in conflict prevention and reconciliation.

UN Human Rights Council: At a Geneva side-event on “Western Sahara and the Right to Self-Determination,” CEBRAPAZ’s Dr. Moara Crivelente warned that Morocco’s settler-colonization and resource exploitation—enabled by partners including Spain, France, the U.S. and the EU—undermine international legality and the world order. Legal & UN oversight: The Geneva Support Group said independent monitoring in the occupied territory remains a major gap since 2015, pointing to UN treaty-body findings on Gdeim Izik detainees and violations tied to arbitrary arrests and torture. Sahrawi diplomacy: The Sahrawi Republic joined AU talks in Accra on the “Silencing Guns” initiative, while Frente POLISARIO’s UN representative reiterated that the Sahrawi people will not accept the colonial fait accompli and will continue resistance for self-determination. Court case in Denmark: A Copenhagen trial opened over a 2025 arson attack on Global Aktion, a Danish solidarity group supporting the Sahrawi people. Human rights pressure: AARASD-France launched a campaign for the release of Gdeim Izik political prisoners and urged action over Naama Asfari’s indefinite hunger strike in Morocco. Security escalation: The UN expressed deep concern over recent Moroccan military actions in areas including Agleibat El Fula, warning they could derail diplomatic efforts.

UN Human Rights Council: The Geneva Support Group for Western Sahara warned that unilateral approaches to the conflict could erode international law and weaken the Sahrawi right to self-determination, stressing Western Sahara’s status as a Non-Self-Governing Territory. Diplomatic push for Morocco’s line: A bloc of 40 states reiterated support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara at the UN Human Rights Council, backing Security Council Resolution 2797 and negotiations based on Morocco’s autonomy plan. UN-led talks under pressure: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura met U.S. senior adviser Massad Boulos, with Washington again urging full implementation of UNSCR 2797 and pressing the parties toward a “just, lasting” political solution. Sahrawi activism and detention: Sahrawi political prisoner Naama Asfari entered a third day of indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, demanding better medical care and transfer to a prison in Western Sahara; AARASD-France also launched an international campaign for the release of Gdeim Izik prisoners. On the ground: The UN expressed deep concern over escalatory actions by Moroccan forces, warning they could jeopardize the political process. Regional governance/economy: Morocco’s state land agency approved 308 investment projects on about 32,000 hectares in 2025, with a large share concentrated in Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab.

UN Diplomacy: UN Western Sahara envoy Staffan de Mistura met U.S. senior adviser Massad Boulos after talks in Tindouf, with Washington urging full implementation of UNSC Resolution 2797 and talks based on Morocco’s autonomy plan. Security & Human Rights: The UN also voiced deep concern over escalatory actions by Moroccan forces, while Frente POLISARIO condemned alleged attacks on Sahrawi civilians, and AARASD-France launched a campaign for the release of Gdeim Izik prisoners and Naama Asfari’s hunger-strike demands. Leadership & Conflict: Reports say Morocco killed Polisario figures including Lehbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, prompting national mourning and raising questions about future leadership amid a shifting diplomatic landscape. Regional Politics: Algeria reiterated its stance on the Sahrawi cause as a decolonization issue, while Austria backed UNSC 2797 and “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty,” and Kenya’s parliamentarians reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative. Economic & Governance: Morocco’s state land agency approved 308 investment projects on 32,000 hectares, with a heavy share in Laayoune and Dakhla, as the National Council reviewed Sahrawi Republic’s AfCFTA participation. International Solidarity: Costa Rican parties and civil society renewed support for Sahrawi self-determination, and a London conference drew parallels between the Sahrawi and Palestinian struggles. Legal/Justice: A Copenhagen trial began over the 2025 firebombing of WSRW partner Global Aktion, with links to pro-Moroccan slogans.

UN Mediation & Talks: Algeria’s FM Ahmed Attaf met UN envoy Staffan de Mistura, reiterating Algeria backs UN efforts for a solution based on self-determination, with negotiations without preconditions and MINURSO’s role in stability. Diplomatic Pressure: The UN’s political track also drew US emphasis after de Mistura’s Tindouf visit, with calls to implement UNSC Resolution 2797 and push parties toward talks grounded in Morocco’s autonomy plan. Sahrawi Prisoners & Hunger Strike: AARASD-France launched an international campaign for the release of Gdeim Izik prisoners and urged action over Naama Asfari’s indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, citing UN arbitrary detention findings. Security Escalation: UN officials expressed deep concern over escalatory actions by Moroccan forces, including attacks on Sahrawi civilians in areas such as Agleibat El Fula, warning they could derail diplomatic progress. Leadership Shock: The Sahrawi Presidency marked national mourning after the reported killing of Lehbib Mohamed Abdelaziz in an incursion east of Morocco’s wall, with internal debate now focused on the movement’s succession and future strategy. International Solidarity: A London conference by Sandblast and Polisario UK representation framed Western Sahara as Africa’s last colony, drawing parallels with Palestine and calling for stronger global solidarity. Regional Trade & State-Building: The National Council reviewed the SADR’s AfCFTA accession and highlighted how the Sahrawi profile document is meant to boost investment and trade links across Africa. UN C24 Debate: Calls are mounting to remove the Sahara file from the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation, arguing the Security Council has reframed the issue under autonomy and negotiation.