AGP Executive Report

Prisoner Hunger Strike: Sahrawi civilian prisoners in Gdeim Izik prisons announced a two-day warning hunger strike (July 7–8) in solidarity with Naâma Asfari, now in his second month of open-ended hunger strike in Moroccan detention, with groups urging urgent UN and international action. New Polisario Secretariat Move: Salek Baba Hasna took the legal oath before Polisario leader Brahim Ghali as a new member of the National Secretariat, following a vacancy created by the death of field commander Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz. Diplomacy Beyond Polisario: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) says it is gaining access to top diplomatic forums, including a meeting with the US UN ambassador Mike Waltz, as Washington signals openness to “Saharawi voices” committed to a political solution. Western Sahara at UN/World Stage: A committee “Barbados with Western Sahara” was launched to back Sahrawi self-determination, while Swedish opposition parties pledge to restore an international-law-based policy after criticism of Sweden’s stance endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan. Culture & Controversy: FiSahara and other voices renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in occupied Dakhla, arguing it normalizes Morocco’s control of Western Sahara.

Film Boycott Push: The FiSahara International Film Festival is calling for a public boycott of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” accusing the production of “trampling on international law” after scenes were filmed in occupied Dakhla, and warning the movie risks normalizing Morocco’s presence in Western Sahara. Diplomatic Outreach: In a separate push for a “Sahrawi voice,” the Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) says it secured meetings at the UN with key diplomats, including U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz, presenting its alternative approach to ending the stalemate. Regional Solidarity: A new committee, “Barbados with Western Sahara,” was launched to raise awareness and back Sahrawi self-determination, citing the UN list of non-self-governing territories. Prisoners’ Health Alarm: Italy’s lawmakers renewed pressure over Sahrawi hunger striker Naâma Asfari, urging urgent diplomatic action to protect his rights and access to independent medical care. Local Governance & International Ties: France’s newly appointed ambassador to Morocco made a first visit to Laayoune, reaffirming Paris’ support for Morocco’s autonomy plan and pledging continued engagement in the region.

Diplomatic Outreach: Sahrawi Foreign Minister Mohamed Yslam Beissat met Lesotho PM Sam Matekane in Maseru, delivering a message from Brahim Ghali and urging continued support for self-determination. International Solidarity: Brazil’s Socialist Youth Union backed the Sahrawi cause at its Rio congress, calling for an end to Morocco’s occupation and for recognition of a Sahrawi state. Regional Backing: Namibia renewed its call for the UN to lead Western Sahara talks, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stressing dialogue over confrontation during meetings with Sahrawi envoy Beissat. UN Representation Fight: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) pressed its diplomatic push at the UN, with reports highlighting U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz’s engagement as a “new Sahrawi voice” beyond Polisario. Human Rights Pressure: Italy’s lawmakers urged urgent action over Sahrawi hunger striker Naâma Asfari’s deteriorating health, demanding access to independent medical care. Cultural/Political Clash: FiSahara and other groups called for a boycott of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” after scenes filmed in Morocco-occupied Western Sahara. European Legal Step: Spain’s Congress advanced a bill to grant citizenship to Sahrawis, with approval expected in July.

UN Diplomacy Shift: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) is making waves at the UN, with a delegation led by Hach Ahmed Baricalla meeting key Security Council figures, including the U.S. ambassador Mike Waltz, as Washington signals it wants “Saharawi voices” beyond Polisario. Human Rights Pressure: Italy’s lawmakers have renewed calls for urgent action over Sahrawi hunger striker Naâma Asfari and other prisoners, while Front Line Defenders warns of serious health deterioration and medical neglect. European Political Support: Sweden’s opposition says it will return to a policy grounded in international law and self-determination after elections, and Spain’s Congress advances a bill to grant Spanish nationality to Sahrawis. Regional Diplomacy: Namibia and Botswana reaffirm support for Sahrawi self-determination and UN-led efforts, as Sahrawi envoys meet presidents and foreign ministers. France and El Aaiun: The Sahrawi Foreign Ministry condemns a French ambassador’s visit to occupied El Aaiun, while France’s new ambassador to Laayoune says Paris will deepen cooperation around Morocco’s autonomy plan. Culture and Boycott: FiSahara calls for a boycott of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in Dakhla.

Polisario Solidarity Push: The French Communist Party’s 40th congress in Lille backed the Sahrawi people and reaffirmed support for the Polisario Front, urging pressure on companies “plundering” Western Sahara’s resources. Prisoner Health Alarm: Italy escalated pressure over Sahrawi hunger strikers, with lawmakers demanding urgent action for Naâma Asfari and other prisoners in Moroccan custody, citing a worsening health situation. UN Diplomacy Spotlight: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) said it won fresh international recognition at the UN after meetings with U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and other Security Council figures, presenting itself as a peace alternative. Western Sahara Rights in Focus: Sweden’s opposition pledged to restore an international-law-based policy and back self-determination after criticism of Sweden’s earlier endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan. Cultural Boycott Call: A film festival urged a boycott of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in Dakhla, calling it a violation of international law and Sahrawi rights. Regional Support: Botswana received a Sahrawi envoy linked to the Frente POLISARIO, reiterating support for self-determination and the political process.

US Diplomacy Shift: Washington welcomed a delegation from the Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) to UN envoy Mike Waltz, signaling a break from Polisario’s “sole representative” claim and amplifying “Saharawi voices” pushing for a compromise solution. European Political Pressure: Sweden’s opposition parties pledged to return to a Western Sahara policy grounded in international law and self-determination after the current government endorsed Morocco’s autonomy proposal. Human Rights Under Scrutiny: Front Line Defenders urged Morocco to release Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari, citing a worsening health situation after his hunger strike began June 8. Judicial Retaliation Claims: Sahrawi lawyer Mohamed Hali told the UN Human Rights Council that Moroccan authorities use the judiciary to retaliate against rights defenders. Cultural Boycott Call: The Western Sahara International Film Festival (FiSahara) renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in Dakhla. Regional Support: Namibia renewed its call for the UN to lead the Western Sahara process, while Botswana reaffirmed support for self-determination. Spain Citizenship Move: Spain’s Congress advanced a bill to grant citizenship to Sahrawis, with approval expected in July.

Film & Boycott Pressure: The Sahara International Film Festival (FiSahara) renewed calls for a public boycott of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” saying parts of the movie were shot in Dakhla in Morocco-occupied Western Sahara and that this “normalises” Morocco’s presence and violates Sahrawi rights. Diplomatic Push in Africa: Sahrawi Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat met Botswana’s President Duma Boko in Gaborone, thanking the country for backing self-determination and discussing the political process for peace in the territory. France–Laayoune Tensions: The Sahrawi Foreign Ministry condemned a first official visit by France’s ambassador to El Aaiun, calling it a provocation aimed at reinforcing Morocco’s “colonial fait accompli.” Human Rights Alarm: Front Line Defenders urged Morocco to release Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari, warning of serious health deterioration after his hunger strike began June 8. Spain Citizenship Move: Spain’s Congress advanced a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with approval expected in July despite opposition from PP and Vox.

US-Morocco Fertilizer Move: President Trump temporarily suspended anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer, citing US food security and supply disruptions—an economic step with wider geopolitical ripple effects. South Africa Politics: Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni warned former president Jacob Zuma he could lose privileges after an unsanctioned India visit tied to the Gupta brothers, noting Zuma previously backed Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan. Cultural Boycott Pressure: The Western Sahara International Film Festival (FiSahara) and related calls urged a boycott of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” saying scenes filmed in Morocco-controlled Dakhla violate international law and “normalise” Morocco’s presence. Diplomacy in Africa: The Polisario’s UN-linked leadership met Botswana’s president in Gaborone, with renewed emphasis on self-determination and support for the Sahrawi cause. France–Laayoune Tensions: The Sahrawi Foreign Ministry condemned a French ambassador’s visit to occupied El Aaiun as a provocation, while France’s new ambassador to Morocco said Paris will deepen cooperation in Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra. Human Rights Alarm: Front Line Defenders urged Morocco to release hunger-striking Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari, warning of serious health deterioration and alleged medical neglect. Spain Citizenship Push: Spain’s Congress advanced a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with a July approval forecast despite right-wing opposition.

UN diplomacy & new talks: U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz met the Sahrawi Movement for Peace, a breakaway group from Polisario, signaling Washington’s push for a “durable solution” aligned with UNSC Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy plan. Human rights pressure: Front Line Defenders warned that Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari’s health is deteriorating after a hunger strike since June 8, urging Morocco to provide independent medical care and end reprisals. Judiciary as retaliation: In Geneva, Sahrawi lawyer Mohamed Hali said Morocco uses courts to target rights defenders, while Aminatou Haidar warned that AI and digital tools are being used to surveil and discriminate against Sahrawi women activists. Spain citizenship push: Spain’s Congress advanced a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with a July approval forecast after a close committee vote. Border security cooperation: The U.S. visited El Guerguerat for talks on border security, counter-narcotics and trafficking—an area repeatedly flagged in the Western Sahara dispute. Regional backing: Namibia renewed calls for the UN to lead the process, stressing dialogue over confrontation.

Spain–Sahrawi Nationality Push: Spain’s Congress is moving again on a bill to grant citizenship to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with PSOE and Sumar aligning after a long delay and a July approval forecast. Human Rights Under Pressure: Front Line Defenders warns that Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari’s health is deteriorating after a hunger strike since June 8, urging Morocco to provide independent medical care and end reprisals. Diplomacy at the UN: The U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz met the Sahrawi Movement for Peace, signaling Washington’s support for a “durable solution” and backing UN Security Council Resolution 2797 tied to Morocco’s autonomy plan. On the Ground in Laayoune: France’s new ambassador made his first official visit to Laayoune, reaffirming Paris’ support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal and deeper cooperation. Border Security Focus: A U.S. delegation visited El Guerguerat to discuss border security, counter-narcotics, and human trafficking—highlighting the crossing’s role as a key trade corridor. Regional Calls for UN-Led Talks: Namibia renewed its call for the UN to lead the Western Sahara process, stressing dialogue over confrontation.

Spanish Citizenship Push: Spain’s Congress advanced a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis born in Western Sahara under Spanish administration, clearing a key committee step with a close vote and a likely July approval path. Italian Pressure on Prisoner: Italian MPs urged the government to demand the release of Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari, citing his hunger strike since June 8 and alleged detention conditions. Human Rights Alarm: Front Line Defenders warned of a rapid deterioration in Asfari’s health and called for independent medical care and an end to reprisals. UN Rights Scrutiny: In Geneva, Sahrawi lawyer Mohamed Hali said Moroccan authorities use the judiciary to retaliate against human rights defenders, while Aminatou Haidar warned AI and digital tools are being used to target Sahrawi women activists. Diplomacy at UN: U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz met the Sahrawi Movement for Peace, signaling Washington’s push for a pragmatic path aligned with UNSC Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy plan. France in Laayoune: France’s new ambassador made his first official visit to Laayoune, reaffirming Paris’ support for Morocco’s autonomy approach. Regional Backing: Namibia renewed calls for the UN to lead Western Sahara talks, received Sahrawi envoys, and reiterated support for self-determination. El Guerguerat Security: A U.S. mission delegation visited El Guerguerat to discuss border security, counter-trafficking, and regional stability.

Prisoner Rights Push: Italian MPs Laura Boldrini and Stefano Vaccari demand an urgent push for the release of Sahrawi human rights defender Naâma Asfari and other prisoners, citing his hunger strike since June 8 and UN-linked concerns over detention conditions. UN Diplomacy: U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz met the Sahrawi Movement for Peace, backing a “peace, compromise” approach and signaling pressure on Algeria and Polisario amid efforts to restart talks under UNSC Resolution 2797. France in Laayoune: France’s new ambassador Philippe Lalliot made his first official visit to Laayoune, reaffirming Paris support for Morocco’s autonomy plan and pledging deeper economic and institutional cooperation. Human Rights Alarm: Front Line Defenders warns of serious health deterioration for Asfari during his hunger strike and calls for independent medical access and an end to ill-treatment. Regional Positioning: Namibia renewed its call for the UN to lead the Western Sahara process, with dialogue over confrontation, as it met Sahrawi envoy Mohamed Yeslem Beissat. Spain Nationality Bill: Spain’s Congress advances a nationality route for Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with July approval expected after PSOE-Sumar alignment.

U.S.-UN Diplomacy: U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz met in New York with the Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP), a breakaway group from Polisario, urging the world to “hear” Sahrawi voices backing compromise and UN Security Council Resolution 2797 that endorses Morocco’s Autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. UN Peace Process: The meeting follows UN Sahara envoy Staffan de Mistura’s consultations with Algeria, Polisario, Mauritania and U.S. adviser Massad Boulos, aimed at restarting quadripartite talks without preconditions. Human Rights Pressure: Front Line Defenders urged Morocco to immediately release Sahrawi political prisoner Naama Asfari, warning of serious health deterioration after an open-ended hunger strike. Regional Support: Namibia renewed its call for the UN to lead the Western Sahara process, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stressing dialogue over confrontation. Self-Determination Push: British MPs tabled a motion urging the UK to back a Sahrawi self-determination referendum and to end tourism promotion in the territory as part of Morocco. Spain Nationality Route: Spain’s Congress advanced a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with July approval expected.

Self-determination push: Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão renewed calls for a Western Sahara self-determination referendum, urging UN Security Council resolutions to be implemented. UN diplomacy and rights: Polisario’s UN representative said no state can “trade” Sahrawi rights or decide their destiny, while Namibia reiterated that the UN should lead the peace process through dialogue. Regional outreach: Sahrawi foreign affairs officials met Namibia’s leadership and counterparts in Angola, stressing solidarity and support for self-determination. Human rights alarm: Front Line Defenders urged Morocco to release Sahrawi prisoner Naama Asfari after a worsening hunger strike, and UN rights groups warned of judicial retaliation and digital surveillance targeting Sahrawi women defenders. Spain nationality bill: Spain’s Congress advanced a nationality route for Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with July approval expected. Border security talks: A US delegation visited El Guerguerat to discuss border security, trafficking and drug smuggling. Political pressure in Europe: British MPs urged the UK to back a referendum and called on Ryanair to stop promoting tourism in Western Sahara as Morocco. US rumor denied: Massad Boulos rejected claims he was removed over the Sahara file.

Spanish Nationality Push for Sahrawis: Spain’s Congress Justice subcommittee has advanced a bill to grant Spanish nationality to people born in Western Sahara under Spanish administration, with PSOE and Sumar backing the text and PP and Vox voting against; approval is now forecast for July, with a possible plenary vote around July 23. Health Crisis in Detention: Front Line Defenders urged Moroccan authorities to immediately release Sahrawi human rights defender and hunger striker Naama Asfari, warning of rapid health deterioration and alleged medical neglect and ill-treatment. UN Role Reaffirmed by Namibia: Namibia renewed its call for the UN to lead Western Sahara talks, stressing dialogue over confrontation and reiterating support for Sahrawi self-determination. Human Rights Under Scrutiny: At the UN Human Rights Council, Sahrawi lawyer Mohamed Hali said Morocco uses the judiciary to retaliate against Sahrawi defenders, while Aminatou Haidar warned that digital surveillance and AI could intensify discrimination against Sahrawi women activists. Diplomacy and Border Security: The US made its first publicly announced visit to the El Guerguerat crossing to discuss border security, trafficking and drug smuggling, highlighting the corridor’s strategic role amid ongoing tensions around the Sahara.

U.S.-Sahara Update: Massad Boulos denied Polisario-linked rumors that he was removed over the Moroccan Sahara file, saying he remains a senior advisor and is “not going anywhere.” Border Security: A U.S. mission delegation made its first publicly announced visit to El Guerguerat to discuss border security, counter-narcotics and human trafficking—an area repeatedly flagged in the Western Sahara dispute. Human Rights at the UN: Sahrawi lawyer Mohamed Hali told the UN Human Rights Council that Morocco uses the judiciary to retaliate against Sahrawi human rights defenders, while Aminatou Haidar warned that digital tools and AI are being used to intensify surveillance and discrimination against Sahrawi women activists. Self-Determination Push in the UK: British MPs urged the UK to back a Western Sahara self-determination referendum via the UN Security Council and called on Ryanair to stop treating the territory as part of Morocco. Spain Nationality Bill: Spain’s parliament revived a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with cross-party momentum after Albares said he is “completely in favour.” Diplomatic Outreach: Namibia received the Sahrawi foreign minister with a message from Brahim Ghali, with Namibia reiterating support for self-determination and urging UN centrality.