AGP Executive Report

UN Western Sahara Track: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side, including meetings with women, youth and human rights groups, and reaffirmed the push for a “just, fair and transparent” UN-led path toward self-determination. National Mourning & Leadership: The Polisario announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a senior National Secretariat figure and commander, with three days of mourning after reports of him being killed during an operation near Morocco’s defensive wall. Martyrs’ Commemoration: In Dakhla Wilaya, National Martyrs’ Day and the closing of the 2025–2026 academic year were marked, recalling El Ouali Mustapha Sayed as a founder of the modern Sahrawi revolution. Historical Reflection: A translated analytical piece revisits Luali Mustafa Sayed’s ideas on organization, armed struggle and alliance-building, as the movement marks the 50th anniversary of his death. International Diplomacy: UN consultations continue as de Mistura visits Tindouf camps, while new Security Council members elected for 2027–2028 are expected to shape the Sahara file’s diplomatic balance. Occupied-Territory Rights: SONREP renewed calls for environmental justice, linking exploitation of Western Sahara’s resources without Sahrawi consent to the right to self-determination.

UN Mediation Update: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with Sahrawi representatives, meeting women, youth and human rights groups, and holding consultations with Sahrawi leadership as the UN seeks to keep the political process moving. UN Process & Diplomacy: De Mistura also met the Sahrawi Foreign Affairs minister, with discussions focused on prospects for a “just, fair and transparent” solution tied to self-determination. Tindouf Consultations: Ahead of his next UN Security Council briefing, the envoy began a new regional tour with fresh consultations in the Tindouf camps. Security & Leadership Loss: The Polisario announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a senior commander and son of late leader Mohamed Abdelaziz, and declared three days of mourning after reports of a drone strike. Local Rights & Environment: SONREP renewed its call for environmental justice in Western Sahara, saying resource exploitation without Sahrawi consent is inseparable from the right to self-determination. UN Security Council Composition: Five new non-permanent members elected for 2027–2028 are expected to shape the Sahara file, with analysts saying the mix is broadly favorable to Morocco’s autonomy approach.

UN Mediation Push: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura met Morocco’s foreign minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, with Polisario and MINURSO-linked officials present, as the UN seeks a “just, fair, transparent” path to Sahrawi self-determination under UN efforts. Tindouf Consultations: De Mistura also began a new round of consultations in the Tindouf camps, with talks expected with Polisario leaders ahead of a Security Council briefing. Leadership Loss in Polisario: The Polisario Front announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a senior commander and National Secretariat member, and declared three days of mourning after fighting near Morocco’s defensive wall. Human Rights Pressure: 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 and torture allegations. Resource Rights: SONREP marked World Environment Day by stressing environmental justice in Western Sahara is tied to the Sahrawi right to self-determination and consent over natural resources. Regional Diplomacy: The UN Security Council’s next Sahara oversight lineup will include Austria, Portugal, Kyrgyzstan, Zimbabwe and Trinidad and Tobago from 2027.

UN Mediation: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura arrived in Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf for talks with Polisario leadership and MINURSO, as the UN seeks to restart a political process under Security Council resolutions. Environmental Justice: SONREP marked World Environment Day by saying exploitation of Western Sahara’s land and marine resources without Sahrawi consent violates environmental justice and is tied to the right to self-determination. Human Loss: 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 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 strain ties. Diplomatic Pressure: A U.S. push to scrutinize or label Polisario as a terrorist group gained momentum in Congress, with lawmakers citing alleged Iran-linked maritime and security concerns. UN Security Council: Five new non-permanent members were elected for 2027–2028, shaping the UN body overseeing the Sahara file.

UN Mediation: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura arrived in Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf, with talks planned with Sahrawi leadership and civil society as part of efforts to revive the political process. Environmental Justice: SONREP said environmental justice in Western Sahara is tied to self-determination, denouncing “intense and ongoing exploitation” of land and marine resources in Morocco-occupied areas without Sahrawi consent. Arms Race Watch: A SIPRI-based report says Africa’s most militarised economies drove defence spending above $33bn in 2025, highlighting Algeria’s and Morocco’s heavy military burdens amid regional tensions. Diplomatic Pressure: De Mistura is also expected to deliver a “last warning” message linked to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and the autonomy framework. Rights and Detention: UN findings again accuse Morocco of rights violations against Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protest, citing torture, solitary confinement and coerced confessions. International Support: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination and condemned domination and neocolonialism.

Arms Race & Sahara-linked spending: New figures show Algeria and Morocco are pouring far more into defence, with Rabat’s military build-up tied largely to the Western Sahara dispute while Algiers’ posture is also shaped by regional instability after NATO’s 2011 Libya intervention. UN diplomacy & MINURSO reshuffle: 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, as MINURSO begins cost-cutting that includes reducing medical services. Human rights pressure: The UN Committee Against Torture again finds Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protests, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement and torture. International solidarity: In Geneva, UGTSARIO held a trade-union solidarity meeting at the ILO conference calling for Sahrawi self-determination; in South Africa, the Left Conference reaffirmed support for Western Sahara liberation. US terrorist-designation push: US lawmakers are gaining momentum to scrutinize and potentially label Polisario as a terrorist group, citing alleged Iran-linked ties and maritime-security concerns near Gibraltar. Occupied-territory business: Heidelberg Materials says it continues supplying major infrastructure projects in occupied Western Sahara, including cement and concrete linked to ports in El Aaiún and Dakhla.

Diplomatic Outreach: Polisario’s National Council president Bashir Mustapha Sayed congratulated Uganda’s newly elected Speaker, praising Uganda’s consistent support for the Sahrawi people’s struggle for freedom and independence. UN Process & MINURSO: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit Tindouf Camps to deliver a “last warning” tied to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and to push a new round of quadripartite talks on autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty; meanwhile, MINURSO has started restructuring, including cutting medical services and logistics to reduce costs. Human Rights Pressure: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco 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. International Solidarity: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination and condemned neocolonial domination; similar calls echoed from the World Peace Council and the EFF. US Terror Designation Push: US lawmakers are gaining momentum to scrutinize and potentially label Polisario as a terrorist organization, citing alleged Iran-linked ties and maritime-security concerns near Gibraltar.

UN Peacekeeping Recognition: The UN posthumously honoured two Indian peacekeepers with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal for their sacrifice on International Day of UN Peacekeepers. Sahrawi Solidarity at ILO: UGTSARIO held a solidarity meeting in Geneva on the sidelines of the 114th ILO Conference, calling for stronger international support for Sahrawi self-determination and workers’ rights. Diplomatic Push at the UN: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali congratulated Zimbabwe on its election to the UN Security Council, stressing the need for Africa’s voice on the Sahara file. Human Rights Under Pressure: The UN Committee Against Torture again condemned Morocco over alleged abuses of Sahrawi detainees linked to the Gdeim Izik protest, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment. Occupied Territories Spotlight: Two documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisonment were screened in Switzerland, with speakers urging the international community to break its “silence.” MINURSO Restructuring: MINURSO began cost-cutting measures, including changes to medical services, as the UN reviews its future role in Western Sahara. U.S. Terror Designation Drive: A U.S. bill to scrutinize and potentially sanction Polisario-linked Iran ties gained another Democratic backer, as lawmakers push for terrorist-related measures.

Franco-Moroccan Pivot: Morocco and France are finalising a new “Friendship Treaty” to replace the 1955 La Celle-Saint-Cloud deal, framing a more equal, long-term partnership that also includes support for Morocco’s Western Sahara approach. Human Rights Pressure: Switzerland hosted screenings of two documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisoned journalists, while the UN Committee Against Torture again flagged alleged abuse of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protest. Diplomatic Push at UN: 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 around Morocco’s autonomy plan. International Backlash: A US bill to scrutinize Polisario links to Iran and Hezbollah gained a new Democratic backer, adding momentum toward possible terrorism-related sanctions. Solidarity in Africa: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination, calling for an end to neocolonialism and hegemony. MINURSO Restructuring: MINURSO has started cutting medical services as part of a wider review of its future role in the Sahara.

UN Mediation: UN Sahara envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit Tindouf Camps this weekend to deliver a “last warning” to Polisario leaders, urging compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and a new push for quadripartite talks under Morocco’s autonomy framework. MINURSO Restructuring: MINURSO has started cutting and reorganizing services, including medical support, as the UN reviews its future role amid shifting political and security dynamics. US Terror Designation Drive: A US bill to scrutinize and potentially sanction Polisario over alleged Iran-linked ties is gaining momentum, with new Democratic support adding pressure for terrorism-related measures. Human Rights Under Scrutiny: The UN Committee Against Torture again flags alleged abuses against Sahrawi detainees linked to the Gdeim Izik protest, citing patterns of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement and ill-treatment. Solidarity Push: South Africa’s Left Conference reiterates support for Sahrawi self-determination, while EFF leaders call Western Sahara “the last colony in Africa.”

MINURSO Restructuring: The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has started cutting costs by dismantling its medical center and ending contracts for around 20 medical staff, as part of a wider review of its future role under UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Human Rights Under Pressure: The UN Committee Against Torture again condemned Morocco over alleged abuses against Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp protest, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement and ill-treatment. Legal and Civil Society Pushback: The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights condemned serious violations against Sahrawi defenders, including reports of a de facto siege on the home of human rights activist Hussein Mjahid in El Aaiún. Political Solidarity: South Africa’s Left Conference and the EFF renewed support for Sahrawi self-determination, while the World Peace Council called for an end to Morocco’s occupation. Diplomatic Noise Abroad: US Senator Ted Cruz renewed calls to label the Polisario a terrorist group, while a US bill to do the same reportedly gained traction in Washington.

MINURSO Restructuring: The UN mission in Western Sahara has started cutting costs, including reducing medical services after dismantling a medical center and ending contracts for around 20 medical staff, as part of a wider review of its future role. Human Rights Under Pressure: European lawyers’ group condemns alleged abuses against Sahrawi defenders in occupied territories, including reports of a de facto siege at the home of activist Hussein Mjahid in El Aaiún and restrictions meant to block solidarity. C-24 Support for Self-Determination: Frente POLISARIO UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar says the C-24 regional seminar in Managua drew strong backing from countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean for Sahrawi self-determination and a referendum. Political Solidarity in Africa: South Africa’s Left Conference and the World Peace Council renewed calls for ending Morocco’s occupation and backing Sahrawi independence, while South Africa’s EFF leader Julius Malema said it’s “shameful” to celebrate liberation while Western Sahara remains under occupation. Legal/Corporate Scrutiny: Catalonia for Freedom of Sahrawi People urges AZURA Group to respect European court rulings and stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan, demanding accurate origin labeling. U.S. Terror Listing Push: A U.S. bill gaining traction would seek sanctions by designating Polisario armed militias as a terrorist organization, citing alleged links to wider militant networks. Regional Diplomacy: France and Algeria continue a rapprochement track after tensions tied to Western Sahara, while Morocco’s ties with Gulf states and France’s new ambassador in Rabat signal a strategic push.

MINURSO Restructuring: The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has started cutting costs by reducing medical services, including dismantling a medical center and ending contracts for around 20 medical staff, as part of a wider review of its future role under UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Human Rights Under Pressure: The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights condemned alleged serious abuses against Sahrawi human rights defenders in occupied Western Sahara, including reports of a de facto siege around defender Hussein Mjahid’s home in El Aaiún and restrictions meant to block solidarity and monitoring. Corporate Accountability in Dakhla: Catalonia for the Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and partners launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging it to stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan and to ensure exports to Europe carry accurate origin labels, citing European court rulings that treat Western Sahara as legally separate from Morocco. Political Support for Self-Determination: South Africa’s EFF and the World Peace Council renewed calls to end Morocco’s “occupation” and back Sahrawi self-determination, while Burundi reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan and welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2797. U.S. Terror Designation Push: A U.S. bill gaining traction would label Polisario militias as a terrorist organization, with lawmakers citing alleged links to Iran-backed networks.

MINURSO Restructuring: MINURSO has started cutting costs by closing its Laayoune medical center and ending contracts for around 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare staff, with equipment set to be handed to local humanitarian partners, as the UN reviews the mission’s future under Security Council Resolution 2797. Human Rights Pressure: European lawyers’ group condemns alleged abuses against Sahrawi defenders in occupied Western Sahara, including isolation measures and a reported de facto siege on human rights defender Hussein Mjahid’s home in El Aaiún. UN Decolonization Debate: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee C24 that the Sahara file should no longer be on its agenda, arguing the Security Council has taken over after Resolution 2797 and that the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty is the “only serious” basis for a settlement. Local Activism vs Corporate Claims: Catalan and French civil society groups launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging it to respect European court rulings and stop marketing Dakhla as “south of Morocco,” demanding accurate origin labeling for exports. Solidarity Messages: South Africa’s EFF and the World Peace Council renewed calls to end Morocco’s occupation and back Sahrawi self-determination, with EFF leader Julius Malema saying it is “shameful” to celebrate African liberation while Western Sahara remains occupied.

MINURSO Update: MINURSO has shut its medical center at its Laayoune headquarters after about 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare workers left, with equipment set to be transferred to local humanitarian groups as the UN restructures the mission ahead of a review tied to Security Council Resolution 2797. Human Rights Pressure: The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights condemned alleged serious abuses against Sahrawi human rights defenders in occupied Western Sahara, including reports of a de facto siege around defender Hussein Mjahid’s home in El Aaiún and restrictions meant to block solidarity and monitoring. UN Track and Autonomy Push: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee C24 that the Sahara file should no longer be on its agenda, arguing the Security Council has taken over after Resolution 2797 and that talks should move toward a definitive settlement based on Morocco’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. Diplomatic Outreach: Sahrawi Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat sent congratulations to Lesotho’s new foreign minister, reaffirming Lesotho’s support for Sahrawi self-determination and independence. Legal/Corporate Campaign: Catalonia for Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective urged the AZURA Group to respect European court rulings and stop marketing Dakhla as “south of Morocco,” warning that accurate origin labeling matters for respecting international law.

Human Rights in Occupied Western Sahara: The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights condemned alleged serious abuses against Sahrawi human rights defenders, citing isolation measures and a reported de facto siege on the home of defender Hussein Mjahid in El Aaiún. Corporate Accountability: Catalonia for the Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and French partners urged AZURA Group to respect European court rulings, stop calling Dakhla “south of Morocco,” and ensure correct origin labels for exports. MINURSO Restructuring: MINURSO closed its medical center in Laayoune after the departure of around 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare staff, with equipment set to move to local humanitarian partners as the UN reviews the mission under Resolution 2797. UN Decolonization Track: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee (C24) the Sahara file should no longer be on its agenda, arguing the Security Council has taken over after Resolution 2797 and that talks should focus on Morocco’s autonomy plan. Diplomatic Signals: UN and U.S.-France discussions on the Sahara reiterated the need for a resolution aligned with Resolution 2797, keeping Morocco’s autonomy proposal central.