AGP Executive Report

Sahrawi Culture: A forum in Gran Canaria showcased Sahrawi heritage through a lecture, book presentation and documentary screening. Political Prisoners: Ivry-sur-Seine’s council reaffirmed support for nine Sahrawi prisoners on hunger strike in Moroccan jails since Sept. 23, including honorary citizen Naâma Asfari, and called for their release. UN Diplomacy: The Polisario Front joined an international seminar in Mexico, while its UN representative again said Sahrawis would pursue self-determination and independence. Senegal, speaking at the UN, backed Morocco’s autonomy plan as a basis for a settlement. Mine Clearance: Morocco told the UN it had cleared nearly 269 million square metres west of the berm in the past year, while UN teams continue clearance work east of it.

UN Talks: Secretary-General António Guterres’s report describes discussions involving Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria and Mauritania on a possible transitional council and Morocco’s autonomy proposal. The Polisario says it will reject any deal that bypasses Sahrawi self-determination. The Security Council is weighing MINURSO’s mandate, which expires October 31. Prisoners: Nine Gdeim Izik prisoners have been on hunger strike since September 23. Sahrawi President Brahim Ghali and European human-rights groups are urging urgent action, including medical care and release; the prisoners seek transfers closer to their families. UN Debate: At the General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, Polisario representative Sidi Mohamed Omar accused Morocco’s delegation of interrupting pro-Sahrawi speakers. Algeria’s foreign minister separately reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination. Laayoune Project: A proposed green hydrogen and ammonia complex near Laayoune has secured a preliminary land reservation and entered early engineering, but has no final investment decision.

UN Diplomacy: At the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, Polisario representative Sidi Mohamed Omar reaffirmed Sahrawi demands for self-determination, while Algeria called Western Sahara an unfinished decolonization issue. Political Process: A draft UN report says this year’s talks examined Morocco’s updated autonomy proposal and a possible transitional council; the Polisario rejects any settlement that bypasses self-determination. The Security Council is reviewing MINURSO ahead of its mandate decision due by Oct. 31. Prisoners: Nine Gdeim Izik prisoners have been on hunger strike since Sept. 23. Sahrawi President Brahim Ghali appealed to the UN chief to intervene, and European rights groups urged urgent medical care and protection. Regional Security: Speakers at the Fourth Committee alleged child recruitment in the Tindouf camps and links between the Polisario and Sahel extremist groups. Laayoune Development: A proposed green hydrogen and ammonia complex near Laayoune has secured a preliminary land reservation; it remains in early engineering, with no final investment decision.

Prisoner Hunger Strike: Rights groups urged urgent action to protect nine Gdeim Izik prisoners on hunger strike since Sept. 23 in Moroccan jails. President Brahim Ghali also called on the UN chief to intervene, citing worsening health and seeking their release and transfer closer to their families. UN Position: At the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, Polisario representative Sidi Mohamed Omar said Sahrawis would continue pursuing independence and rejected any deal that bypasses self-determination. Negotiations: A UN report says talks involving Morocco, Polisario, Algeria and Mauritania included discussion of a transitional council, with Morocco’s autonomy proposal at the center. The Security Council is reviewing MINURSO’s future ahead of the mission’s mandate expiry on Oct. 31.

Hunger Strike: Nine Gdeim Izik prisoners have been on open-ended hunger strike since Sept. 23. Human rights groups urged urgent medical care and protection, while President Brahim Ghali called on the UN chief to intervene over their deteriorating health. UN Process: As the Security Council reviews MINURSO on Oct. 7–8, a UN report describes renewed talks exploring transitional arrangements and Morocco’s expanded autonomy proposal. Polisario’s UN representative says the Front rejects any “half-solution” that bypasses Sahrawi self-determination. Sahrawi Politics: Ghali inaugurated preparations for the Polisario Front’s 17th congress, urging broad public debate on the movement’s next strategy. Representation: Sahrawis for Peace has asked UN envoy Staffan de Mistura to include Sahrawi groups outside the established negotiating framework.

UN Process: As the Security Council reviews Western Sahara on October 7–8 ahead of MINURSO’s mandate renewal, Polisario representative Sidi Mohamed Omar told the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee the Front would reject any “half-solution” that bypasses Sahrawi self-determination. A draft UN report says recent talks have explored a possible transitional council, with Morocco’s autonomy proposal central to discussions. Who Gets a Seat: Sahrawis for Peace has urged UN envoy Staffan de Mistura to include Sahrawi groups outside the established negotiating framework, seeking a wider role for advocates of a negotiated settlement. Prisoners: President Brahim Ghali has asked UN chief António Guterres to intervene over nine Gdeim Izik prisoners on hunger strike in Moroccan jails since September 23; Sahrawi officials say some need urgent medical care. Polisario Congress: Ghali inaugurated preparations for the Front’s 17th congress, calling it a chance to broaden debate and set strategy for the next phase.

UN Western Sahara Talks: UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ latest report says negotiations have shifted toward transitional modalities under Morocco’s autonomy plan, with a possible “Transition Council” discussed after renewed direct contacts in 2026. Polisario Rejects “Half-Solutions”: The Polisario Front says it will not engage in any talks meant to sidestep Sahrawi self-determination, reiterating its absolute rejection of “half-solutions.” UN Security Council Set for MINURSO: The Security Council is due to hold closed consultations on MINURSO on Oct 7-8 ahead of a key vote, with the report expected to shape the debate. Prisoners’ Hunger Strike: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali urged UN chief Guterres to urgently intervene over a hunger strike by nine Sahrawi civilian political prisoners in Moroccan jails, citing deteriorating health and alleged rights violations. International Backing for Autonomy: UAE, GCC, Chile, and Ecuador reaffirmed support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal at UN forums, pointing to Resolution 2797 as the basis for a settlement. Human Rights Pressure: Amnesty International renewed claims of surveillance, Pegasus targeting, and harassment of Sahrawi activists and protest organizers in occupied areas.

UN Sahara Talks Update: UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ latest report says Western Sahara negotiations have moved toward practical “transitional modalities,” with a possible Transition Council discussed alongside Morocco’s autonomy plan under UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Polisario Rejects “Half-Solutions”: Polisario’s UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar reiterated the Sahrawi side’s absolute rejection of any “half-solutions,” insisting talks must protect self-determination. Security Council Set for MINURSO Decisions: The UN Security Council will hold closed meetings on Oct 7-8 on MINURSO ahead of its Oct 31 mandate expiry, with briefings from MINURSO head Alexander Ivanko and UN envoy Staffan de Mistura. Diplomatic Pressure in the Region: Algeria’s Tebboune again framed the Sahara issue as resting with the Sahrawi people, while Algeria also announced it has severed ties with the UAE. Human Rights Scrutiny: Amnesty International renewed allegations of Moroccan surveillance and harassment targeting Sahrawi activists, including claims linking Pegasus spyware to civil society targeting. International Backing for Autonomy: Ecuador and the GCC reaffirmed support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal in UN forums, adding to a growing bloc of states backing Rabat’s approach.

UN Sahara Talks Shift: UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ latest report says Western Sahara negotiations have moved from principles to practical “transitional modalities,” including discussion of a possible Transition Council tied to a shift toward Morocco’s autonomy framework under Resolution 2797. Polisario Rejects “Half-Solutions”: Polisario’s UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar reiterated the Sahrawi side’s absolute rejection of any deal that bypasses self-determination, stressing only a free, transparent referendum can deliver a just outcome. Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal Detailed: The report describes Morocco’s updated autonomy draft statute shared in early 2026 and used as the basis for UN-led rounds in Washington and Madrid, with sovereignty and self-determination still the most contentious points. Security Council MINURSO Deadline Looms: The UN Security Council is set for closed meetings on Oct 7-8 ahead of MINURSO’s Oct 31 mandate expiry, with briefings from de Mistura and MINURSO head Alexander Ivanko. Human Rights Pressure Mounts: Amnesty reports continued surveillance, arrests and smear campaigns against Sahrawi activists, including alleged Pegasus targeting, alongside judicial harassment in occupied cities. Diplomatic Backing at UN: Chile, Ecuador and the GCC reaffirm support for Morocco’s autonomy plan in the UN Fourth Committee, while UN debate also saw renewed calls for self-determination and independent monitoring.

UN Western Sahara Track: The UN Security Council is set for closed meetings on Oct 7-8 on Western Sahara ahead of MINURSO’s Oct 31 mandate expiry, with briefings from MINURSO chief Alexander Ivanko and UN envoy Staffan de Mistura, as the latest UN report details how talks resumed after years of pause. Diplomacy & Positions: Algeria’s President Tebboune reiterated that Algeria won’t force a decision on the Sahrawi people and said negotiations are ongoing, while Polisario UN representatives met UN peace-operations officials and stressed self-determination. International Support for Autonomy: At the UN Fourth Committee, multiple countries backed Morocco’s autonomy plan, including Chile, Ecuador, and the GCC, as the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee heard calls to end colonialism and uphold Sahrawi rights. Human Rights Pressure: Amnesty International renewed allegations of Morocco’s surveillance and Pegasus targeting Sahrawi activists and civil society, while rights groups and solidarity networks raised alarms over Gdeim Izik prisoners on hunger strike and escalating reprisals. Local Political Signal: Morocco’s election results showed lower turnout in Saharan provinces, highlighting how southern voters engage with Moroccan institutions amid the wider Sahara dispute.

UN Negotiations Update: UN chief António Guterres’ report says Staffan de Mistura restarted direct contacts between Morocco, Polisario, Algeria and Mauritania after a nearly seven-year gap, with talks in Washington and Madrid and discussion of a possible “Transition Council.” UN Security Council Watch: Greece is set to run closed MINURSO consultations on Oct 7-8 as the mission’s mandate nears its Oct 31 expiry. Diplomatic Push for Self-Determination: In the UN Fourth Committee, countries backed Sahrawis’ right to self-determination and urged full UN compliance, while Polisario UN officials met UN peace operations chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix on MINURSO. Human Rights Under Fire: Amnesty reports Morocco’s surveillance system targets Sahrawi activists, including alleged Pegasus use, alongside arrests, smear campaigns and judicial harassment; Sahrawi groups also urged independent UN monitoring. Gdeim Izik Prisoners: Rights groups and African youth activists warn of worsening conditions for hunger-striking prisoners and escalating reprisals. Algeria’s Position: Tebboune reiterated Algeria backs Sahrawis’ choices alone and called the Western Sahara issue a matter for the people.

UN Western Sahara Track: Polisario’s UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar met UN peace operations chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix, as Greece prepares closed Security Council consultations on MINURSO for Oct 7-8 ahead of the Oct 31 mandate expiry. Human Rights Under Pressure: Amnesty International reports continued surveillance, arrests and restrictions against Sahrawi activists, including alleged Pegasus targeting of human rights defenders and a wider system of spying, smear campaigns and judicial harassment. Gdeim Izik Prisoners: Rights groups warn of escalating reprisals against hunger-striking Gdeim Izik detainees, citing punitive transfers and worsening health. Diplomacy and Deadlines: U.S. envoy Mike Waltz told Polisario the “basis for a solution is on the table,” pointing to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy framework. Autonomy Backers at UN: Chile, Ecuador and the GCC reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan at the UN Fourth Committee, while Sahrawi voices urged independent international monitoring and self-determination.

UN MINURSO Talks: Polisario’s UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar met UN peace chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix in New York, as the Security Council prepares closed consultations on MINURSO on Oct 7-8 ahead of the Oct 31 mandate expiry. Human Rights Under Scrutiny: Amnesty International reports Morocco’s continued surveillance, arrests and restrictions on Sahrawi activists, including alleged Pegasus targeting of Sahrawi figures and a broader system mixing spying with smear campaigns and judicial harassment. Prisoners’ Hunger Strike: Rights groups warn of escalating reprisals against Gdeim Izik detainees on hunger strike since Sept 23, citing punitive transfers, family access limits and deteriorating health. Diplomatic Pressure: US UN envoy Mike Waltz met a Polisario delegation, telling them refugees in Tindouf have waited 50 years and that “the basis for a solution is on the table,” tied to UN Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy framework. UN Rights Council Appeals: Sahrawi defenders urged independent international monitoring and an end to discrimination, while calling for implementation of Durban and Geneva obligations. International Backing for Autonomy: Chile, Ecuador and the GCC reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan at UN forums, while other states continued to back self-determination and decolonisation.

UN Diplomacy: Ecuador and the GCC both reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan at the UN Fourth Committee, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and urging negotiations in good faith. Security Council Watch: The UN Security Council is set for closed meetings on Western Sahara on Oct 7-8 ahead of the MINURSO mandate renewal due Oct 31. Human Rights Pressure: Sahrawi activists urged the UN Human Rights Council to end discrimination and grant independent, sustained monitoring access in occupied Western Sahara, with calls to implement the Durban Declaration and Geneva Conventions. Prisoner Crisis: Rights groups warned of escalating reprisals against Gdeim Izik detainees on hunger strike, including punitive transfers and restricted access to families and medical care. Surveillance Allegations: Amnesty renewed claims of a long-running Moroccan spyware campaign targeting civil society, including Sahrawi activists, and called for independent investigations and safeguards. US Message to Polisario: US UN envoy Mike Waltz told Polisario refugees in Tindouf have waited 50 years and said “the basis for a solution is on the table.”

Israel–Morocco Ties: On the Abraham Accords’ 6th anniversary, Israel and Morocco agreed to upgrade relations, exchange ambassadors, and deepen cooperation after a New York trilateral summit with the U.S., despite renewed anti-normalization protests in Morocco. Spyware & Rights: Amnesty International says Morocco ran a large-scale surveillance and spyware campaign targeting journalists and Sahrawi activists, calling for releases and an independent probe. Gdeim Izik Hunger Strike: Human rights groups warn of worsening conditions and reprisals against Gdeim Izik prisoners, including punitive transfers and restricted access, as nine detainees continue an open-ended hunger strike. UN Human Rights Council Push: Sahrawi defenders urged the Council to ensure independent monitoring in Western Sahara, end selectivity, and grant access to UN mechanisms, linking occupation to discrimination and rights violations. U.S. Diplomatic Pressure: U.S. envoy Mike Waltz told Polisario the “basis for a solution is on the table” and that refugees in Tindouf have waited 50 years, as MINURSO talks head toward October review. Political Process Debate: The MSP called for a more plural Sahrawi voice in the UN process, while other voices reiterated self-determination as the only path to a just settlement. Morocco Domestic Politics: Morocco appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first female prime minister, as coalition talks continue.

Spyware & Rights in Western Sahara: Amnesty International says Moroccan authorities ran a large-scale surveillance and spyware campaign targeting journalists and Sahrawi activists, urging an independent probe and a moratorium on selling such tech. Gdeim Izik Hunger Strike: African Youth Congress, MRAP, and Sahrawi prisoner groups warn of worsening conditions for nine Gdeim Izik detainees on hunger strike, denouncing restrictions on visits and lack of Red Cross access. UN Human Rights Council Pressure: Sahrawi defenders El Ghalia Djimi and Hamdi Mhamedou call for independent UN monitoring in occupied Western Sahara, citing racism, settlement policies, and the need to release political prisoners. Self-Determination at the UN: POLISARIO’s UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar reiterates that only a free referendum can deliver a just solution, while the US envoy Mike Waltz tells POLISARIO the “basis for a solution is on the table” ahead of MINURSO review. International Solidarity: Greta Thunberg backs action on Western Sahara at the Zurich Film Festival, condemning “hypocrisy” and urging concrete support for Sahrawi rights. Diplomacy Watch: A new report traces how UN Security Council Resolution 2797 shifted the process toward Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the file returns to the Council in October.