AGP Executive Report

UN Mediation: UN Western Sahara envoy Staffan de Mistura met U.S. senior adviser Massad Boulos after talks with Polisario leaders in the Tindouf camps, with Washington urging full implementation of UNSC Resolution 2797 and renewed talks on Morocco’s autonomy plan. Security Council Pressure: UN officials said Moroccan escalation and attacks on Sahrawi civilians risk derailing the political process; Polisario also sent a letter to the Security Council condemning alleged crimes, including a June 5 strike using drones and artillery. Human Rights & Detention: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of an indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, demanding better detention conditions, medical care, and transfer to prisons in Western Sahara. Leadership Shock: Polisario announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a National Secretariat member and son of former leader Mohamed Abdelaziz, after fighting near the separation wall; the Presidency declared three days of mourning. Diplomatic Momentum: Austria backed UNSC 2797, saying “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty” is the most feasible path, while Kenya’s parliamentary delegation reaffirmed support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative. UN Debate at C24: Calls grew to remove the Sahara file from the UN decolonization committee (C24), arguing the dispute is now framed as a political regional matter under Resolution 2797. Local Governance/Development: Morocco’s state land agency reported approving 308 investment projects on about 32,000 hectares in 2025, with major focus on southern regions including Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab.

Sahrawi Leadership & UN Process: The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up consultations with the Sahrawi side, with Brahim Ghali reiterating support for a UN-led, self-determination-based solution, while UN officials warned that recent Moroccan escalation could derail the political track. Martyrs & Internal Stakes: The Sahrawi Presidency held memorial ceremonies and declared national mourning after the reported killing of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a National Secretariat member and son of Mohamed Abdelaziz, amid claims of a drone strike east of Morocco’s wall—raising fresh questions about succession. Rights & Accountability: POLISARIO representatives condemned alleged attacks on Sahrawi civilians and urged the UN Security Council to act, as Austria backed UNSC Resolution 2797 and “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty” as a feasible basis for talks. Diplomacy Shifts: Kenya’s parliamentary delegation reaffirmed support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative, while France’s Sahrawi-linked civil group AARASD accused Paris of double standards. Protest in Detention: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, demanding medical care and a transfer.

UN Security Council & Diplomacy: Austria backed UN Security Council Resolution 2797, saying “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty” could be the most feasible path, while welcoming UN-led negotiations based on Morocco’s autonomy plan. UN Concern Over Escalation: UN officials expressed deep concern over escalatory actions by Moroccan forces targeting Sahrawi civilians in areas including Agleibat El Fula, warning it could derail the political process during Staffan de Mistura’s visit. POLISARIO Legal Push: In a letter to the UN Security Council, Frente POLISARIO strongly condemned alleged Moroccan “criminal acts” against Sahrawi civilians, citing attacks involving drones and artillery. Leadership & Mourning: The Polisario announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a National Secretariat member and commander, and declared three days of national mourning; the death is already fueling internal succession debate. Hunger Strike: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, demanding better detention conditions, medical care, and transfer. UN Envoy Consultations: Staffan de Mistura concluded talks with the Sahrawi side and held consultations with women, youth, and human rights groups, reaffirming support for self-determination-based UN efforts. Civil Society & Rights: UGTSARIO briefed trade unions in Geneva, calling Western Sahara “the last decolonization case” and urging stronger international solidarity for self-determination. Environment & Resources: SONREP said environmental justice in Western Sahara is inseparable from Sahrawi control over natural resources, denouncing exploitation without consent.

National Mourning & Leadership Loss: The Polisario Front’s Presidency held a memorial ceremony for Commander Lehbib Mohamed Abdelaziz and two companions, announcing three days of mourning after his death in combat on June 7. UN Concern Over Escalation: The UN voiced deep concern over alleged escalatory actions by Moroccan forces that targeted Sahrawi civilians in the Agleibat El Fula area while UN envoy Staffan de Mistura was visiting, warning it could derail the political process. Security Council Push: In a letter to the Security Council, Frente POLISARIO strongly condemned what it calls Moroccan “criminal acts” against Sahrawi civilians, citing a June 5 attack using drones and long-range artillery. Hunger Strike in Detention: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of an indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, demanding better detention conditions, medical care, and transfer to prisons in Western Sahara. UN Envoy Consultations: De Mistura concluded a visit to the Sahrawi side, meeting women, youth, human rights groups and leadership, with Polisario reaffirming support for UN efforts based on self-determination. Diplomatic Signals: Brahim Ghali congratulated Russia’s Vladimir Putin on Russia Day, underscoring support for a multipolar international system and UN Charter principles.

Leadership & Security: The Polisario Front announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a senior military commander and son of late leader Mohamed Abdelaziz, after a reported drone strike east of Morocco’s defensive wall, triggering three days of national mourning and raising fresh questions about succession inside an increasingly constrained movement. Human Rights & Detention: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, protesting detention conditions, demanding medical care and a transfer to a prison in Western Sahara, while prison authorities deny mistreatment. UN Political Process: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up consultations with the Sahrawi side, meeting women’s, youth and human rights groups and reaffirming the push for a “just, final” solution grounded in self-determination, as he also began a new round of consultations in Tindouf camps. Civil Society & Solidarity: UGTSARIO briefed trade union partners in Geneva, calling Western Sahara the “last decolonization case” in Africa and urging stronger international labor solidarity for self-determination. Occupied Territory & Rights: SONREP warned that environmental justice in Western Sahara is inseparable from self-determination, denouncing ongoing exploitation of land and marine resources without Sahrawi consent.

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.