AGP Executive Report

Human Rights & Solidarity: A London conference on “Africa’s Last Colony” drew parallels between the Sahrawi and Palestinian struggles, calling for stronger international support for self-determination. Prisoners of Gdeim Izik: AARASD-France launched an international campaign demanding the release of Sahrawi political prisoners linked to Gdeim Izik and urging action over Naama Asfari’s indefinite hunger strike. UN Pressure & UN-C24 Debate: Calls are growing to remove the Western Sahara file from the UN’s Decolonization Committee (C24), arguing the Security Council’s Resolution 2797 reframes the issue as a political negotiation on autonomy. Escalation Concerns: The UN expressed deep concern over escalatory actions by Moroccan forces, including attacks on Sahrawi civilians, warning they could derail diplomatic efforts. Leadership Shock: Morocco’s reported killing of Polisario Front member Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz has triggered mourning and renewed questions about succession inside the movement. Regional Diplomacy: Austria backed Resolution 2797, saying “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty” is the most feasible path.

UN Security Concern: UN officials voiced deep concern over escalatory actions by Moroccan occupation forces in the liberated areas, warning they could derail the Western Sahara political process. POLISARIO to UN: Frente POLISARIO sent a letter to the UN Security Council condemning “criminal acts” against Sahrawi civilians, after an attack on 5 June in the Gleibat El-Foula area. Fatal Strike and Mourning: Morocco’s forces are reported to have killed three Polisario Front members, including Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, son of former SADR president Mohamed Abdelaziz; the Sahrawi side declared three days of national mourning. Diplomacy Watch: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side, while President Brahim Ghali reiterated support for UN efforts toward self-determination. International Pressure: Austria backed UN Security Council Resolution 2797, saying “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty” could be the most feasible path. Rights and Resources: SONREP said environmental justice in Western Sahara is inseparable from Sahrawi self-determination, denouncing exploitation of land and marine resources without consent. Marhaba 2026: Morocco’s Foundation Mohammed V for Solidarity launched the Marhaba 2026 welcome operation for Moroccans abroad, running 10 June to 15 September with reception sites across Morocco and Europe.

France-Western Sahara Tensions: AARASD in Paris accused France of “double standards,” saying it condemned a March 5 attack on Smara by Sahrawi fighters while staying silent on Moroccan drone strikes since the war resumed in 2020, which it says have killed mostly civilians. UN Concern Over Escalation: The UN said it is “deeply concerned” by escalatory actions by Moroccan occupation forces targeting Sahrawi civilians in areas including Agleibat El Fula, warning this could derail the UN-backed political process while Staffan de Mistura was visiting. Security Council Pressure: Frente POLISARIO sent a letter to the UN Security Council strongly condemning what it calls Moroccan criminal acts against Sahrawi civilians, including an attack on June 5 using drones and long-range artillery. Leadership and Loss: Reports say Morocco killed three Polisario Front members near the separation wall, including Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, son of former SADR president Mohamed Abdelaziz, prompting days of mourning. UN Envoy Updates: De Mistura concluded talks with the Sahrawi side, with Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward self-determination. Activist Hunger Strike: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, demanding better medical care and transfer to a prison in Western Sahara. International Support for UN Resolution: Austria backed UN Security Council Resolution 2797, saying “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty” could be the most feasible solution.

UN Diplomacy: Austria backed UN Security Council Resolution 2797 on Western Sahara, saying “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty” could be the most feasible path, and welcoming Morocco’s willingness to explain what that autonomy would look like. UN Concern: The UN voiced deep concern over escalatory actions by Moroccan occupation forces, warning they could derail the UN-led political process while Staffan de Mistura was visiting the region. POLISARIO Pushback: POLISARIO condemned alleged Moroccan “criminal acts” against Sahrawi civilians in a letter to the UN Security Council, after attacks reported in areas including Gleibat El Fula. Sahrawi Hunger Strike: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of an indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, demanding better detention conditions, medical care, and transfer to a prison in Western Sahara. UN Envoy Roundup: De Mistura concluded talks with the Sahrawi side, with President Brahim Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward self-determination and rejecting solutions that don’t guarantee it. Human Rights & Resources: SONREP said environmental justice in Western Sahara is inseparable from self-determination, denouncing exploitation of land and marine resources without Sahrawi consent.

UN Security Council Pressure: Frente POLISARIO says Morocco carried out “criminal acts” against Sahrawi civilians, citing a 5 June attack in Gleibat El-Foula using drones and long-range artillery, and urges the Council to act. Hunger Strike in Occupied Morocco: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of an indefinite hunger strike, protesting detention conditions, lack of medical care, and demanding transfer to a prison in Western Sahara. UN Envoy Diplomacy: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side in Tindouf, with Brahim Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward a just, final solution based on self-determination. Marhaba 2026 Mobilisation: Morocco’s Foundation Mohammed V for Solidarity launched the Marhaba Operation (10 June–15 September), with 26 reception sites across Morocco and Europe to manage crossings for Moroccans abroad. Water and the Sahara Dispute: Morocco’s push for desalination—aiming for 60% of drinking water from the ocean by 2030—highlights how climate policy and regional control intersect. Labour Solidarity: UGTSARIO briefed trade unions in Geneva, calling for stronger international solidarity and backing the Sahrawi right to self-determination.

UN Mediation Watch: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with Sahrawi leadership and civil society, with President Brahim Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward a “just, final” solution based on Sahrawi self-determination. Prisoner Rights: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, demanding better detention conditions, medical care, and transfer to a prison in Western Sahara. Conflict on the Ground: Reports say Lahbib Abdelaziz, a key Polisario National Secretariat figure, died in an operation east of Morocco’s defensive wall after a drone strike, raising questions about leadership succession amid a long stalemate. Humanitarian/Transit: Morocco’s “Marhaba 2026” welcome operation is set to run June 10 to Sept 15, with reception sites across Morocco and in Spain, France, and Italy for millions of travellers. Solidarity in Geneva: UGTSARIO briefed trade unions in Geneva, urging stronger global labour solidarity and calling Western Sahara the “last decolonization case” in Africa. Environment & Rights: SONREP warned that environmental justice in Western Sahara is inseparable from self-determination, denouncing resource exploitation without Sahrawi consent.

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.