AGP Executive Report

Human Rights Under Pressure: Sahrawi activist and political prisoner Naâma Asfari’s health is “extremely critical” as he remains on hunger strike in Kenitra prison, with international groups again demanding his immediate release and warning his life is in danger. Academic Accountability: The International Association of Jurists for Western Sahara (IAJUWS) condemned the University of La Laguna rector’s official visit to El Aaiun and Dakhla as a violation of international humanitarian law, urging universities to respect Western Sahara’s distinct status. Franco-Moroccan Reset: France’s PM Sébastien Lecornu told Rabat his position on Western Sahara is “unwavering” as Morocco-France talks advance a new bilateral framework, including a proposed electricity interconnection and broader cooperation deals. Occupied Territory, Business Expansion: The Sahrawi Working Group condemned Engie’s role in enabling Morocco’s agricultural expansion in occupied Western Sahara, linking new land tenders to the Dakhla desalination project. Culture Meets Controversy: Calls are growing to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” after it filmed in Morocco-occupied Dakhla, with Sahrawi filmmakers saying the production risks legitimizing the occupation. Diplomatic Signals: Germany’s Die Linke backed a referendum as the only way to realize Sahrawi self-determination, urging Berlin to recognize it and support humanitarian needs in the refugee camps.

Franco-Moroccan Reset: France’s PM Sébastien Lecornu told reporters in Rabat that Paris’ Western Sahara position “will not change,” pointing to a new long-term treaty and a deepening “enhanced exceptional partnership” after Macron’s 2024 recognition of Morocco’s autonomy framework. Diplomatic Deals: During Lecornu’s two-day visit, Rabat and Paris signed 14 cooperation agreements spanning security, defense, migration, economy, rail and water policy, with energy talks also focused on exporting renewable electricity from Morocco to France. Spyware Shadow: The diplomatic push faced fresh controversy as a media consortium renewed allegations that Morocco used Israeli Pegasus spyware to target French officials and others; Morocco denies the claims. Sahrawi Prisoner Alarm: In France, the mayor of Ivry-sur-Seine urged Macron to intervene for the immediate release of Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari, whose hunger strike since June has worsened his health, while international bodies have called his detention arbitrary. Occupied Territory Economy: Morocco launched a new tender for over 1,090 hectares of farmland in occupied Western Sahara, tied to Engie-backed desalination irrigation near Dakhla. Cultural Boycott: Sahrawi activists renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” after it was filmed in Dakhla, arguing it normalizes occupation while Sahrawi journalists face repression. Germany’s Stance: Germany’s Die Linke reiterated that a free and fair referendum is the only way to express Sahrawi will, calling for humanitarian support to refugee camps and stronger EU action against repression.

Film Boycott Over Occupied Dakhla: Sahrawi activists are renewing calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey after reports it was shot in Morocco-occupied Western Sahara, arguing the production normalizes the occupation while Sahrawi journalists and filmmakers face repression. Diplomatic Reset Watch: French PM Sébastien Lecornu is in Rabat for talks with Morocco’s leadership, with the visit framed as part of a broader Franco-Moroccan rapprochement after France recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. Spyware Allegations: A Moroccan intelligence insider claims Morocco used Pegasus spyware against journalists, human rights defenders and foreign officials, while Morocco denies involvement—adding pressure to the wider debate over rights and surveillance in the region. Prisoner Naâma Asfari Health Crisis: Multiple reports and solidarity messages highlight Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari’s worsening condition as he continues an open-ended hunger strike in Moroccan custody, with calls for urgent international action and his release. Regional Solidarity in Mauritania: A Sahrawi delegation met Mauritania’s opposition coalition leadership, with Mauritania reiterating “positive neutrality” and support for UN efforts and self-determination.

Human Rights Pressure: French Mayor Philippe Bouyssou urged President Emmanuel Macron to intervene for the immediate release of Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari and other Gdeim Izik detainees, citing UN findings that his detention was arbitrary and warning of a worsening health crisis after an indefinite hunger strike. International Solidarity: The African Youth Congress echoed the call for Asfari’s unconditional release, while Sahrawi community groups in France sent an open letter to French and international bodies as his condition deteriorates in Kenitra prison. Health Strike Update: Le Monde and other reports say Asfari has lost over nine kilograms and remains in isolation, with growing calls for urgent UN action and respect for UN resolutions. Western Sahara on Screen: Sahrawi activists and NGOs renewed a boycott of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over filming in occupied Dakhla, arguing it risks normalizing Morocco’s occupation. Diplomacy & Law: The European Parliament approved an updated EU-Morocco aviation protocol that excludes Western Sahara, a move Sahrawi groups call a legal recognition of non-sovereignty over Sahrawi skies. Political Outreach: Spain’s Congress President Francina Armengol reaffirmed Spain’s historical responsibility toward Sahrawi children in the “Vacaciones en Paz” programme.

Hunger Strike Crisis: Sahrawi human rights defender Naâma Asfari is now in his second month of an open-ended hunger strike in Morocco’s Kenitra prison, with reports saying he has lost over nine kilograms and is in a critical phase, as UN bodies and European voices renew calls for urgent action and respect for UN resolutions. International Pressure: Sahrawi community groups in France and human rights organizations in Europe and Latin America have issued fresh appeals to governments and the UN, while families of the Gdeim Izik prisoners protest in Rabat demanding independent medical care and an end to solitary confinement. EU Legal Signal: The European Parliament approved an updated EU-Morocco aviation protocol while excluding Western Sahara, a move Sahrawi groups call another recognition of Western Sahara’s distinct status. Diplomacy Watch: Spain’s push to reopen the Sahara file is slammed as legally unfeasible after Madrid closed its role in 1976, while Spain’s planned PM visit to Algeria aims to mend ties after years of Western Sahara-related fallout. US Congress Move: More US lawmakers have backed a bill to label Polisario a Foreign Terrorist Organization, adding to growing political pressure in Washington.

Hunger Strike Crisis: Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari’s health is worsening fast as his open-ended hunger strike enters its 36th day, with a new human-rights coordination report saying he has lost over nine kilograms and is held in isolation in Kenitra Prison’s infirmary. International Pressure: Le Monde spotlights his “dignity strike” and recalls UN findings on arbitrary detention and torture-linked allegations, while Sahrawi community groups in France urge French authorities and the EU/UN to act. Diplomatic Outreach: UGTSARIO’s secretary-general met trade union leaders in Costa Rica to brief them on Asfari and other Gdeim Izik prisoners, as calls for UN intervention grow. EU Legal Signal: The European Parliament approved an updated EU-Morocco aviation protocol that excludes Western Sahara, which Sahrawi legal groups call another recognition of sovereignty. Regional Diplomacy: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez is set to visit Algeria on 20 July to mend ties after Madrid’s shift on Western Sahara. Humanitarian Appeals: Ecuadorian rights groups demand Asfari’s immediate release and urge UN and ICRC involvement.

Diplomatic Rapprochement: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez will visit Algeria on 20 July in a bid to mend ties after Madrid’s 2022 shift on Western Sahara, a move that angered Algiers and followed Spain’s earlier control of the territory until 1975. Prisoner Health Crisis: Ecuadorian human rights groups renewed calls for the release of Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari and all Gdeim Izik detainees, warning his health has sharply deteriorated during a hunger strike in Kenitra prison. Human Rights Pressure in Europe: French MP Jean-Paul Lecoq urged France’s PM to raise Sahrawi prisoners with Moroccan authorities, citing UN findings and Asfari’s hunger strike since June 8. US Legislative Push: Two more US lawmakers joined a bill to label Polisario a Foreign Terrorist Organization, adding to growing congressional support for the proposed sanctions. EU Aviation Deal Dispute: The European Parliament approved an updated EU-Morocco aviation protocol that excludes Western Sahara, while critics say airlines still operate there in practice. Regional Solidarity: Italy’s Mantua province reaffirmed support for the Sahrawi cause and discussed hosting Sahrawi children in the region.

Hunger Strike Alarm: Ecuadorian human rights groups urged Morocco to end the “arbitrary and unlawful” detention of Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari and Gdeim Izik detainees, warning his health has seriously deteriorated as he has been on hunger strike for nearly a month in Kenitra Prison. International Pressure: The same call echoed UN and ICRC intervention demands, as Sahrawi rights bodies and families continue to blame Moroccan authorities for medical neglect and solitary confinement. Diplomatic Outreach: Polisario education minister Abdelkader Taleb Omar met Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, delivering messages from Brahim Ghali and discussing latest developments on the Sahrawi cause and bilateral ties. U.S. Lawmakers Push FTO Label: Two more Republican U.S. congressmen joined efforts to designate Polisario as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under the “Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act,” raising House co-sponsors to 16. Western Sahara in EU Aviation Rules: The European Parliament approved an updated EU-Morocco aviation protocol that excludes Western Sahara, while critics say airlines still operate there outside the legal framework. Prisoners at the Center of France-Morocco Ties: French MP Jean-Paul Lecoq asked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to raise Sahrawi political prisoners during his Morocco visit, citing UN torture-related concerns and Asfari’s hunger strike. Solidarity Abroad: Italy’s Mantua province reaffirmed support for the Sahrawi cause and discussed hosting Sahrawi children.

Hunger Strike Pressure on Morocco: Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari’s open-ended hunger strike entered its second month, with the National Council, CONASADH, ISACOM and international rights groups urging urgent action, independent medical care, an end to solitary confinement, and implementation of UN Working Group recommendations. Diplomatic Outreach: French MP Jean-Paul Lecoq urged France’s Prime Minister to raise Sahrawi political prisoners during a Morocco visit, citing Gdeim Izik detainees and Asfari’s hunger strike. Congress Moves on Polisario: Two more U.S. lawmakers joined a bill to require the U.S. to review whether the Polisario Front meets criteria for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Western Sahara on Film Front: Calls for an international boycott of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” grew after filming scenes in occupied Dakhla, with groups accusing Morocco of using cinema to normalize occupation. Regional Solidarity: Italy’s Mantua province reaffirmed support for the Sahrawi cause, including hosting Sahrawi children; South Africa received the Sahrawi foreign minister, with Ramaphosa reiterating support for self-determination.

Sahrawi Prisoners: A French MP, Jean-Paul Lecoq, urged France’s Prime Minister to raise Sahrawi political prisoners with Moroccan authorities during a July 15–16 visit, spotlighting the Gdeim Izik detainees and Naâma Asfari’s hunger strike since June 8, including UN calls to release them and transfer Asfari closer to El Aaiún. Human Rights Pressure: The Sahrawi National Council, CONASADH, and international groups renewed calls for urgent action as Asfari’s health deteriorates, demanding independent medical care, an end to solitary confinement, and access for the ICRC and UN mechanisms. Diplomatic Outreach: The Sahrawi Foreign Minister, Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, met South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, with Ramaphosa reaffirming support for self-determination; Mantua province in Italy also reiterated backing for the Sahrawi cause and Sahrawi children hosting. Western Sahara Film Row: NGOs and solidarity groups escalated protests over Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” after filming in occupied Dakhla, calling for boycotts and accusing Morocco of using cinema to normalize occupation.

Film Boycott Push: Charity Sandblast and FiSahara are calling for an international boycott of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” after scenes were filmed in occupied Dakhla, arguing the production helps normalize Morocco’s presence and ignores Western Sahara’s UN status. Diplomatic Outreach: The Sahrawi Foreign Minister, Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, met South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, with Ramaphosa reaffirming support for Sahrawi self-determination. Prisoner Health Crisis: Sahrawi rights bodies and families are escalating demands over Naâma Asfari’s hunger strike, blaming Moroccan authorities for medical neglect and calling for urgent independent care and access for the ICRC and UN mechanisms. International Pressure in Europe: Germany’s International League for Human Rights urged Berlin to intervene to save Asfari’s life, while Italy’s lawmakers pressed for diplomatic action. Solidarity Abroad: Mantua province in Italy reaffirmed support for the Sahrawi cause and discussed hosting Sahrawi children. New Sahrawi Political Voice: The Saharawi Movement for Peace (MSP) says it is gaining recognition at the UN, including a reported meeting with US Ambassador Mike Waltz.

Sahrawi Prisoners’ Health Crisis: International and local rights groups are again sounding the alarm over Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari’s open-ended hunger strike, with the National Council, CONASADH, and ISACOM all blaming Moroccan prison authorities for worsening conditions and calling for urgent independent medical care, an end to solitary confinement, and access for the ICRC and UN mechanisms. Gdeim Izik Solidarity Action: Families of the Gdeim Izik Group prisoners protested in Rabat, while prisoners announced a two-day warning hunger strike in solidarity with Asfari. Diplomatic Outreach: In Pretoria, Sahrawi Foreign Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, delivering a message from Brahim Ghali and reaffirming South Africa’s support for self-determination. International Pressure on Detention: Germany’s International League for Human Rights urged Berlin to intervene to save Asfari’s life, citing arbitrary detention and medical neglect. Western Sahara in the Spotlight: France-based jurists and activists presented a new book on Morocco as an occupying power in Western Sahara, while the FiSahara film festival campaign renewed criticism of filming scenes for “The Odyssey” in occupied Dakhla. New Voices at the UN: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) says it is gaining diplomatic traction, including a first meeting with the US UN ambassador, Mike Waltz.

Sahrawi Prisoners’ Health Crisis: Sahrawi civilian prisoner Naâma Asfari’s open-ended hunger strike entered its second month, with the National Council, CONASADH, ISACOM and international rights groups warning his condition is deteriorating and urging independent medical care, an end to solitary confinement, and UN-backed action for his release. Family Protests in Rabat: Families of the Gdeim Izik prisoners staged a protest in Rabat, blaming Moroccan authorities for alleged torture, forced starvation and denial of fair-trial rights, and demanding urgent international intervention. Diplomatic Outreach: Sahrawi Foreign Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat met South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria, delivering a message from Brahim Ghali and briefing him on developments in the Sahrawi national cause, while Ramaphosa reiterated support for self-determination. Western Sahara on the Big Screen: France-based groups and FiSahara renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” accusing the production of normalizing Morocco’s occupation after scenes were filmed in occupied Dakhla. International Support Signals: Sweden’s opposition parties pledged to restore a policy grounded in international law and self-determination for Western Sahara, criticizing the current government’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy proposal. New Sahrawi Political Momentum: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) continued building diplomatic ties at the UN, with reports highlighting growing international engagement beyond the Polisario’s traditional monopoly.

Film Boycott Fallout in Dakhla: Reactions are still growing against Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” after scenes were filmed in occupied Dakhla, with French groups saying the production helps normalize Morocco’s presence and turn the territory into a tourism backdrop that erases Sahrawi memory. Prisoner Hunger Strike Crisis: Sahrawi rights bodies and families renewed calls for urgent international action over Naâma Asfari’s worsening health as he continues an open-ended hunger strike, blaming Moroccan authorities for medical neglect, solitary confinement, and arbitrary detention. International Pressure on Germany: The International League for Human Rights urged Germany to intervene to save Asfari’s life, citing serious violations including torture allegations and failure to implement UN recommendations. Book Launch in Las Palmas: A new book, “Morocco, the Occupying Power in Western Sahara,” was presented in Gran Canaria, examining the conflict through legal and human-rights angles and its role in UN and EU debates. Diplomatic Moves: The Polisario Front named Salek Baba Hasna to its National Secretariat, while the Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) continues to seek wider recognition through UN-related diplomacy.

Film Boycott Pressure: French and international groups are renewing calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” after scenes were filmed in occupied Dakhla, saying the production helps “normalize” Morocco’s presence and turn the territory into a tourism backdrop that erases Sahrawi memory. Prisoner Health Crisis: Sahrawi rights bodies and families are escalating demands for urgent action over Naâma Asfari’s open-ended hunger strike, blaming Moroccan authorities for deliberate medical neglect and calling for independent care, an end to solitary confinement, and access for the ICRC and UN mechanisms. International Appeals: The International League for Human Rights urged Germany to intervene to save Asfari’s life, while protests in Rabat echoed accusations of torture, forced starvation, and denial of fair trial guarantees for the Gdeim Izik prisoners. Diplomatic Outreach: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) says it is gaining traction at the UN, including a reported meeting with US Ambassador Mike Waltz, as it pushes a pluralist, dialogue-based approach to the Western Sahara file. Book Spotlight: A Las Palmas event presented “Morocco, the Occupying Power in Western Sahara,” a legal and academic review of the conflict, UN presence, and resource exploitation.

Hunger Strike Crisis: Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari’s health is worsening as he continues an open-ended hunger strike in Kenitra prison, with the National Council, CONASADH, ISACOM and families of the Gdeim Izik detainees all blaming Moroccan authorities and demanding his immediate release, independent medical care, an end to solitary confinement, and access for the ICRC and UN bodies. International Pressure: The International League for Human Rights urged Germany to intervene to save Asfari’s life, while Gdeim Izik prisoners announced a two-day warning hunger strike in solidarity. Diplomatic Moves: A Sahrawi Movement for Peace delegation secured meetings at the UN with key diplomats, including the US ambassador, as Sweden’s opposition parties pledged to return to an international-law-based policy on Western Sahara. Western Sahara in Culture: In Las Palmas, a book launch highlighted “Morocco, the Occupying Power in Western Sahara,” while FiSahara and others renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in occupied Dakhla. Regional Support: Chile backed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, and Barbados launched “Barbados with Western Sahara” to boost awareness and solidarity.