AGP Executive Report

Marhaba 2026 Travel Plan: Morocco’s Foundation Mohammed V for Solidarity has launched “Marhaba 2026” to welcome Moroccans abroad from June 10 to September 15, with 26 reception sites across Morocco and Europe, including ports like Tanger Med and Algeciras, airports such as Laâyoune Hassan I and Dakhla, and border posts Bab Sebta and Mellila; officials expect about 3.5 million travellers and around 900,000 vehicles to cross the Strait of Gibraltar. UN Western Sahara Diplomacy: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with Sahrawi leadership and civil groups in the camps, while the Sahrawi Foreign Affairs ministry met him to discuss prospects for a “just, fair and transparent” UN-backed political process based on self-determination. Polisario Leadership Shock: Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz’s death is being linked to fighting east of Morocco’s berm amid drone warfare, raising fresh questions inside the movement about succession and internal balance. Human Rights & Labour Solidarity: UGTSARIO briefed trade unions in Geneva, calling the Western Sahara case the “last decolonization” file in Africa and urging stronger global solidarity for Sahrawi self-determination. Environmental Justice: SONREP says exploitation of land and marine resources in occupied Western Sahara continues without Sahrawi consent, tying environmental protection to sovereignty over natural resources. Migration Focus in Spain: Pope Leo’s Canary Islands visit spotlights migrant treatment, as local leaders warn of the “Atlantic route” and demand a more humane European response.

UN Peace Process Updates: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with Sahrawi leaders and civil society, with President Brahim Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward a just, final solution based on Sahrawi self-determination. Diplomatic Engagement: De Mistura also met the Sahrawi Foreign Affairs minister, while the Polisario side stressed rejection of any “pseudo-solutions” that legitimize occupation. Leadership Shock: The death of Lahbib Abdelaziz, reported as killed during an operation east of Morocco’s defensive wall, is raising questions about internal balances and possible succession dynamics. Solidarity in Geneva: UGTSARIO briefed the World Federation of Trade Unions in Geneva, calling occupation proof that decolonization is unfinished and urging stronger global labor solidarity. Environmental Justice: SONREP said exploitation of Western Sahara’s land and marine resources without Sahrawi consent is inseparable from self-determination, and vowed to keep documenting “systematic plundering.” Marhaba 2026 Launch: Morocco’s Foundation Mohammed V for Solidarity announced the “Marhaba 2026” welcome operation, with reception sites across Morocco and European ports running June 10 to September 15.

UN Mediation Update: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up a visit to the Sahrawi side, meeting Sahrawi leadership and women, youth and human rights groups, with Polisario President Brahim Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward a just, final solution based on self-determination. Camps Diplomacy: The envoy’s trip followed talks with Foreign Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, as the Sahrawi side rejected any “pseudo-solutions” that would legitimize Morocco’s occupation. Leadership Shock: Reports say Lahbib Abdelaziz, a key figure in the Polisario National Secretariat, died in an operation linked to a drone strike during an incursion east of Morocco’s defensive wall, raising questions about internal succession. Environmental Justice: SONREP marked World Environment Day by warning that Morocco’s exploitation of land and marine resources in occupied areas continues without Sahrawi consent, tying environmental protection to the right to self-determination. Solidarity in Geneva: UGTSARIO briefed the World Federation of Trade Unions in Geneva, urging stronger global labor solidarity for Sahrawi independence as the last decolonization case in Africa. Occupied-Territory Business: Heidelberg Materials acknowledged supplying cement and concrete for major Moroccan infrastructure projects in El Aaiún and Dakhla Atlantique, cementing concerns over corporate ties to the occupation.

UN Western Sahara Diplomacy: UN Secretary-General Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with Sahrawi leaders and met Sahrawi women, youth and human rights groups, while also briefing the Sahrawi side on the UN-US peace process after earlier rounds of talks. Foreign Affairs: Sahrawi Foreign Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat met de Mistura, stressing a “just, fair and transparent” path that guarantees self-determination and independence. Decolonisation Pressure: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C24) heard renewed calls from the British Virgin Islands and Virgin Islands to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance decolonisation of remaining territories. Human Rights in Occupied Western Sahara: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp protests, citing arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement and torture. Resource Justice: SONREP marked World Environment Day by linking environmental justice in Western Sahara to the right to self-determination, denouncing exploitation of land and marine resources without Sahrawi consent. US Terror Designation Push: US lawmakers, including Ted Cruz and a new Democratic backer, are pressing for scrutiny and possible terrorist-related sanctions targeting the Polisario over alleged Iran ties.

UN Decolonisation Push: The British Virgin Islands and Virgin Islands urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C24) to use its “good offices” and visiting missions to advance self-government for the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories, including through integration, free association or independence. MINURSO Talks: UN Secretary-General Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up meetings with Sahrawi women, youth and human rights groups, the Advisory Council, and Sahrawi leadership, reaffirming support for completing Western Sahara decolonisation based on self-determination and rejecting solutions that don’t guarantee independence. Foreign Affairs Coordination: Sahrawi Foreign Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat met de Mistura to discuss UN efforts toward a “just, fair and transparent” solution guaranteeing self-determination and independence. 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 arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement and torture/ill-treatment. Occupied Territory Scrutiny: Heidelberg Materials acknowledged supplying cement and concrete for major Moroccan infrastructure projects in occupied Western Sahara, including ports in El Aaiún and Dakhla Atlantique. International Solidarity: South Africa’s Left Conference and UGTSARIO backed Sahrawi self-determination, linking workers’ rights and resource exploitation to the decolonisation struggle.

UN Diplomacy: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura arrived in Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf for talks with Sahrawi leadership and UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), as the UN seeks conditions to restart negotiations. Environmental Justice: SONREP marked World Environment Day by saying Morocco’s “intense and ongoing” exploitation of land and marine resources in occupied Western Sahara violates Sahrawis’ right to self-determination and sovereignty over natural wealth. Human Rights Pressure: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp protest, citing arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement and torture/ill-treatment. Occupied-Territory Business: Heidelberg Materials acknowledged supplying cement and concrete tied to major Moroccan infrastructure projects in occupied Western Sahara, including ports in El Aaiún and Dakhla Atlantique. US Lawmaking Push: US lawmakers added momentum to a bill seeking scrutiny of alleged Polisario-Iran links, with Senator Ted Cruz arguing for terrorist designation over Strait of Gibraltar maritime-security concerns. Solidarity Abroad: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination, while Switzerland’s Abolish Festival screened documentaries on Sahrawi activists imprisoned by Morocco.

UN Diplomacy: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura arrived in Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf for talks with Sahrawi leadership and civil society, with the Polisario side reiterating that any just solution must deliver self-determination through a free, transparent process. Environmental Justice: SONREP marked World Environment Day by warning that Morocco’s “intense and ongoing exploitation” of land and marine resources in occupied Sahrawi cities is inseparable from the right to sovereignty over natural resources, and said it will keep documenting plunder. Human Rights in Occupied Territories: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the Gdeim Izik protest, citing arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and confessions under duress. International Solidarity: Switzerland’s Abolish Festival screened documentaries on Sahrawi activists and prisoners, while South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination and condemned neocolonial domination. Economic Footprint of Occupation: Germany’s Heidelberg Materials acknowledged supplying cement and concrete for major infrastructure projects in occupied Western Sahara, including port-related work in El Aaiún and Dakhla Atlantique. Arms Race Context: New reporting highlights how Algeria and Morocco are among Africa’s most militarised economies, with defence spending rising amid regional tensions.

Arms Race Watch: Algeria and Morocco are pouring tens of billions into military build-ups, with Algeria’s spending pegged at 8.8% of GDP and Morocco’s rising to $6.3bn—both linked to regional instability and the Western Sahara dispute. Occupied Territories Rights: Switzerland screened documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisonment, while European lawyers condemned abuses against human rights defenders in El Aaiún, including reports of a de facto siege and restrictions on movement. UN Scrutiny: The UN Committee Against Torture again flagged Morocco for violations against Sahrawi detainees tied to the Gdeim Izik protest, citing arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement and torture allegations. Political Solidarity: South Africa’s Left Conference and the EFF renewed support for Sahrawi self-determination, and UGTSARIO held a Geneva solidarity meeting on the sidelines of the ILO conference. US Terror Designation Push: US lawmakers, led by Sen. Ted Cruz, pressed to label the Polisario as terrorists over alleged Iran links and maritime-security concerns near Gibraltar. MINURSO Context: A POLISARIO UN representative said C-24 seminar support for Sahrawi self-determination was strong, calling for expediting a referendum.

Algeria–Morocco Rift, Sahel Pivot: A new analysis says Algeria hasn’t changed its Western Sahara goal—it’s just redeployed diplomatic and political pressure to the Sahel and West Africa, chasing control of key routes and energy/logistics corridors. Human Rights in Occupied Western Sahara: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp protests, citing arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement and torture. International Solidarity: In Geneva, UGTSARIO held a trade-union solidarity meeting on the sidelines of the ILO conference, calling for Sahrawi self-determination; in Johannesburg, South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for liberation and condemned neocolonialism. Corporate Links to Occupation: Heidelberg Materials acknowledged supplying cement and concrete for major infrastructure in occupied El Aaiún and Dakhla, while European lawyers condemned abuses against Sahrawi human rights defenders and reported a de facto siege in El Aaiún. US Terror Designation Push: US lawmakers renewed efforts to scrutinize and potentially label the Polisario as terrorist-linked, citing alleged Iran ties and Gibraltar maritime-security concerns. Diplomacy & Normalisation Debate: Separate coverage highlights how the Abraham Accords are being marketed with incentives for further normalisation—an approach critics say lacks regional trust.

UN Peacekeeping Honours: The UN marked International Day of UN Peacekeepers by posthumously awarding the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to two Indian “Blue Helmets” — Lance Havildar Harbhajan Singh (MONUSCO) and Naib Subedar Sujit Kumar Pradhan (UNMISS) — in a ceremony at UN headquarters in New York. Trade Union Solidarity: In Geneva, UGTSARIO held a solidarity meeting on the sidelines of the 114th ILO Conference, with Polisario representation, calling for intensified efforts for Sahrawi self-determination and highlighting workers’ and human rights as key decolonisation challenges. Human Rights in Occupied Territories: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the Gdeim Izik protests, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement and torture. Corporate Scrutiny: Heidelberg Materials acknowledged supplying cement and concrete for major infrastructure projects in occupied Western Sahara, including ports in El Aaiún and Dakhla Atlantique, as rights groups press for accountability. Political Support for Self-Determination: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi liberation and self-determination, while the World Peace Council called for an end to Morocco’s occupation.

Trade Union Solidarity: UGTSARIO held a solidarity meeting in Geneva on the sidelines of the 114th ILO Conference, with Polisario representation and labor groups urging renewed international efforts for Sahrawi self-determination and workers’ rights. Human Rights Under Occupation: 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. Legal Pressure in Europe: European lawyers condemned abuses against Sahrawi human rights defenders and reported a de facto siege on defender Hussein Mjahid’s home in El Aaiún. Corporate Accountability: Catalan and French civil groups launched a campaign against AZURA Group, demanding it stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan and ensure accurate origin labels for exports. International Solidarity: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi liberation and self-determination, while the World Peace Council called for an end to Morocco’s occupation. Diplomatic Spotlight: A Sahrawi UN representative said C-24 seminar discussions in Managua drew strong backing for a referendum on self-determination.

Human Rights in Occupied Western Sahara: Two documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisoned journalists were screened in Bern, Switzerland, spotlighting alleged Moroccan prison abuses and the suffering of families, with Polisario representatives and media coordinator Mohamed Mayara condemning international “silence.” UN Scrutiny of Detention Abuses: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp protests, citing arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement and torture/ill-treatment. Political Solidarity: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination and condemned neocolonial domination, while the World Peace Council called for an end to Morocco’s occupation and urged recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. US Terror Designation Push: US Senator Ted Cruz and a growing group of lawmakers backed a bill seeking scrutiny of Polisario links to Iran, framing it as a terrorism-related sanctions issue. EU Court Compliance Pressure: Catalan and French groups launched a campaign against AZURA Group, demanding accurate origin labels for Dakhla and respect for European court rulings separating Western Sahara from Morocco. Diplomacy at the UN: Frente POLISARIO UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar said C-24 seminar support for Sahrawi self-determination was strong, calling for expediting a referendum.

US–Polisario Terror Label: Texas Senator Ted Cruz renewed accusations that the Polisario is an Iran-backed “proxy” and urged it be designated a terrorist organisation, citing the 5 May attack on Esmara and calling it “more violent than ever.” UN Rights Watch: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protests, describing a pattern of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement and torture. Human Rights Pressure in Laayoune: European lawyers’ group condemned abuses against Sahrawi defenders, alleging a de facto siege at the home of activist Hussein Mjahid and restrictions meant to block solidarity and monitoring. Political Solidarity in Africa: South Africa’s Conference of the Left backed Sahrawi self-determination, while EFF leader Julius Malema called Western Sahara “the last colony in Africa” and condemned Morocco’s occupation. MINURSO Update: MINURSO closed a medical center as the UN mission restructures, affecting services for people in the mission area. Diplomacy at UN: Frente POLISARIO UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar said C-24 seminar discussions in Managua showed strong international support for a referendum on self-determination. Business/Legal Challenge: Catalan and French groups launched a campaign against AZURA Group, demanding it stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan and ensure correct origin labels under European court rulings.

UN Rights Watch: The UN Committee Against Torture says Morocco is violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protest, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and coerced confessions. Human Rights Pressure: European lawyers’ group condemns abuses against Sahrawi defenders, alleging isolation measures and a de facto siege at the home of activist Hussein Mjahid in El Aaiún. Self-Determination Momentum: Frente POLISARIO UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar says C-24’s regional seminar drew strong international support for Sahrawi self-determination and calls to expedite a referendum. Political Solidarity: South Africa’s Left Conference backs Sahrawi freedom and independence, while the EFF’s Julius Malema calls it shameful to celebrate African liberation while Western Sahara remains under occupation. Global Politics & Western Sahara: Commentary and diplomacy coverage frames Western Sahara as a test of international legitimacy as major powers push transactional deals like the Abraham Accords. Weather Note (Western Sahara): Forecasts warn of extremely hot, humid conditions in Egypt with a chance of intermittent rainfall reaching Western Sahara.

C-24 & UN decolonization: Frente POLISARIO UN representative Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar said Sahrawi rights drew strong backing at the UN General Assembly’s C-24 regional seminar in Managua, with states urging the UN to expedite a self-determination referendum. Human rights in occupied Western Sahara: The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights condemned abuses against Sahrawi defenders, citing isolation measures and a reported de facto siege on Hussein Mjahid’s home in El Aaiún. Political solidarity in Africa: South Africa’s EFF renewed support for Sahrawis, with Julius Malema calling it “shameful” to celebrate liberation while Western Sahara remains under occupation. EU legal pressure on business: Catalonia for Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective urged AZURA Group to stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan and to respect European court rulings on Western Sahara’s separate status. Diplomacy & regional positioning: Morocco’s new French ambassador Philippe Lalliot began his post in Rabat, while Rabat also highlighted Gulf ties amid Middle East tensions. MINURSO update: MINURSO closed a medical center as the UN mission undergoes restructuring.

MINURSO Restructuring in Laayoune: MINURSO has shut its medical center at headquarters in Laayoune after contracts for about 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare staff were ended, with equipment set to go to local humanitarian groups as the UN reviews the mission under Security Council Resolution 2797. Human Rights Under Occupation: European lawyers’ group condemns alleged abuses against Sahrawi defenders, including isolation measures and a reported de facto siege on human rights defender Hussein Mjahid’s home in El Aaiún, with electricity cut. Corporate Pressure Over Dakhla Labels: Catalan and French civil society groups launch a campaign and petition against AZURA Group, demanding it stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan and ensure correct origin labeling for exports to Europe. Self-Determination Push in Africa Day Events: South Africa’s EFF and the World Peace Council renewed calls to end Morocco’s occupation and back Sahrawis’ right to self-determination. Diplomacy Watch: Algeria’s interior minister is set to visit Paris as France-Algeria rapprochement continues, with Western Sahara tensions cited as a key driver of the earlier rift.