AGP Executive Report

Diplomatic Signals: In Rabat, Morocco’s FM Nasser Bourita met an Italian parliamentary intergroup backing “Support for the Autonomy Initiative in the Sahara,” with coordinators saying the plan is a long-term peace proposal gaining international acceptance. Human Rights & Activism: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, demanding better detention conditions, medical care, and transfer to Western Sahara. UN Track: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side, with Brahim Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward a just, final solution based on self-determination. Commemoration & Culture: The Sahrawi Embassy in Cuba marked the 50th anniversary of El Ouali Mustapha Sayed’s martyrdom with school-led cultural events and exhibitions. Martyrs & Education: In Dakhla Wilaya, National Martyrs’ Day and the close of the 2025–2026 academic year were observed, spotlighting sacrifice and the legacy of the revolution’s founders.

Sahrawi Solidarity & Memory: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali sent condolences to Jean Ziegler’s family, praising his lifelong defense of human rights and self-determination. International Advocacy: In London, Sandblast and the UK Polisario representation held a conference linking the Western Sahara struggle to Palestine, with testimonies from Sahrawi activists and documentary screenings. UN Peace Process: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side, where Ghali reaffirmed support for UN efforts toward a just, final solution based on Sahrawis’ right to self-determination. Human Rights Under Pressure: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari began an indefinite hunger strike in Morocco over detention conditions, medical care, and a transfer request to Western Sahara. Martyrs & Culture: Dakhla marked National Martyrs’ Day and the end of the 2025–2026 school year, while Cuba’s Sahrawi Embassy commemorated the 50th anniversary of El Ouali Mustapha Sayed with cultural events and exhibitions. Conflict Reality: Reports say Moroccan drones are reshaping fighting east of the berm, pushing Polisario’s older hit-and-run tactics into higher-risk territory. Migration Lens: Pope Leo’s Canary Islands visit puts spotlight on migrant treatment, as local church leaders urge a more humane approach. Travel Update: Operation Marhaba details for 2026 outline routes, ports, and expected crossings for Maghreb-origin travelers.

Hunger Strike in Morocco: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of an indefinite hunger strike, protesting detention conditions, demanding proper medical care, and seeking transfer to a prison in Western Sahara. UN Peace Process: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side, with Brahim Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward a just, lasting solution based on self-determination. Martyrs and Education: Dakhla Wilaya marked National Martyrs’ Day (June 9) and the closing of the 2025–2026 academic year, honoring sacrifice and reviewing school achievements. Leadership Loss: The Presidency declared three days of national mourning after Lehbib Mohamed Abdelaziz was killed in combat, alongside two companions, during an attack on Morocco’s defensive wall. Drone Shift in the East: Reports say Moroccan drones are making Polisario’s traditional hit-and-run tactics more dangerous, reshaping both battlefield realities and political readings of recent deaths. Cultural Memory in Cuba: The Sahrawi Embassy in Cuba commemorated the 50th anniversary of El Ouali Mustapha Sayed’s martyrdom with school events, songs, and cultural exhibits.

Sahrawi Activism: 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; he has been jailed since 2010 and faces serious allegations tied to the 2010 Gdaim Izik dismantling. UN Diplomacy: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side, with Brahim Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward a just, final solution based on Sahrawi self-determination. Martyrs & Memory: Dakhla Wilaya marked National Martyrs’ Day and the end of the 2025–2026 academic year, while the Sahrawi Embassy in Cuba commemorated the 50th anniversary of El Ouali Mustapha Sayed’s martyrdom through cultural events and school-led tributes. Conflict on the Ground: Reports say Morocco’s drones are reshaping fighting east of the berm, trapping Polisario’s older hit-and-run tactics into higher-risk operations. Regional Context: A wider political debate argues the Western Sahara deadlock needs a realistic path forward, as UN-backed talks continue.

UN Western Sahara Diplomacy: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side, with Brahim Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward a just, final solution based on Sahrawi self-determination. Sahrawi Activism: Naâma Asfari entered a third day of indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, demanding better detention conditions, medical care, and transfer to the territory of Western Sahara. Martyrs & Memory: Dakhla Wilaya marked National Martyrs’ Day and the end of the 2025–2026 academic year, while Cuba’s Sahrawi Embassy commemorated the 50th anniversary of El Ouali Mustapha Sayed’s martyrdom with school-led cultural events. Conflict on the Ground: Reports say Polisario fighters “east of the berm” face higher risks as Moroccan drones disrupt the Front’s traditional hit-and-run tactics. Culture & Community: The Mata International Equestrian Festival returns in Morocco’s northern provinces under a theme linking Eid Al Wahda with 50 years of cultural and spiritual development in the Moroccan Sahara. Human Rights Spotlight (Switzerland): Bern’s Abolish Festival screened two documentaries on Sahrawi activists and journalists imprisoned in Moroccan prisons, drawing criticism of international “silence.”

UN Western Sahara diplomacy: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side, with Brahim Ghali reiterating support for UN efforts toward a “just and lasting” solution grounded in Sahrawi self-determination. Sahrawi activism in Morocco: Naâma Asfari entered a third day of an indefinite hunger strike, demanding better detention conditions, medical care, and transfer to Western Sahara. Martyrs and memory: Dakhla Wilaya marked National Martyrs’ Day and the end of the 2025–2026 academic year, while Cuba’s Sahrawi Embassy commemorated the 50th anniversary of El Ouali Mustapha Sayed’s martyrdom through school-led cultural events. Conflict on the ground: Reports say Polisario fighters face higher risks east of the berm as Moroccan drones disrupt the Front’s traditional hit-and-run tactics. Culture & lifestyle: Switzerland screened documentaries on Sahrawi activists in occupied territories, and the Mata Festival in Morocco’s “Moroccan Sahara” region celebrated Unity Day with cultural and spiritual programming.

UN Mediation Update: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side, with Brahim Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward a just, lasting solution based on Sahrawi self-determination. Hunger Strike Watch: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, protesting detention conditions, demanding medical care, and seeking transfer to prisons in Western Sahara. Martyrs & Memory: In Dakhla Wilaya, National Martyrs’ Day and the 2025–2026 academic year closing were marked, while Cuba’s Sahrawi Embassy commemorated the 50th anniversary of El Ouali Mustapha Sayed with cultural events and exhibitions. Conflict on the Ground: Reports say Polisario’s east-of-the-berm tactics face higher risk as Moroccan drones reshape the battlefield after the 2020 ceasefire collapse. Culture & Activism Abroad: Switzerland screened documentaries on Sahrawi activists in occupied territories, spotlighting imprisoned journalists and families. Political Reflection: A commentary argues Polisario faces generational limits and that stalled conflict leaves new generations paying the highest price. Migration Lens: Pope Leo’s Canary Islands visit puts migrant treatment in focus, echoing wider regional concerns about how Europe handles arrivals.

Operation Marhaba: Spain and Morocco kick off the 2026 Crossing of the Strait on 10 June, running until 15 September, with forecasts of about 3.5 million travellers and roughly 900,000 vehicles—up around 3% from 2025—supported by reinforced coordination, digitisation and biometrics, and major port and route planning. UN Diplomacy: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wraps up talks with Sahrawi leadership, reaffirming the Sahrawi side’s backing for UN efforts toward a just, final solution grounded in self-determination, while rejecting any “pseudo-solutions.” National Martyrs & Education: In Dakhla Wilaya, National Martyrs’ Day (9 June) and the closing of the 2025–2026 academic year are marked with official speeches and performances honoring sacrifice and reviewing school achievements. Commemorations in Cuba: The Sahrawi Embassy in Cuba marks the 50th anniversary of El Ouali Mustapha Sayed’s martyrdom with cultural events, exhibitions, and school-led tributes. Occupied Territories Watch: Switzerland screens documentaries on Sahrawi activists, spotlighting imprisoned journalists and families, while the UN Committee Against Torture again flags alleged rights violations against Sahrawi detainees linked to Gdeim Izik. Security Shift: Reporting says Morocco’s drone use east of the berm is reshaping Polisario tactics, raising risks for fighters operating in exposed zones.

UN Peace Process: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side, with Brahim Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward a just, final solution grounded in Sahrawis’ right to self-determination. National Martyrs & Education: Dakhla marked June 9 National Martyrs’ Day and the close of the 2025–2026 academic year, spotlighting sacrifice and reviewing school achievements. 50 Years Since El Ouali: In Cuba, the Sahrawi Embassy commemorated the 50th anniversary of El Ouali Mustapha Sayed’s martyrdom with cultural events and exhibitions. Luali Mustafa Sayed Anniversary: A translated analytical piece revisits Luali’s ideas on organization, armed struggle, and alliance-building, arguing they still guide today’s struggle. Occupied Territories Culture & Rights: Switzerland’s Abolish Festival screened documentaries on Sahrawi activists and journalists imprisoned in Moroccan jails, drawing sharp criticism of international “silence.” Human Rights Watch: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the Gdeim Izik protest, citing torture, solitary confinement, and coerced confessions.

Unity & Heritage: The Mata International Equestrian Festival returns in Morocco’s northern region with a “Eid Al Wahda” theme, spotlighting cultural and spiritual ties to the Moroccan Sahara and celebrating 50 years of development. UN Diplomacy: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali met UN envoy Staffan de Mistura at the end of his visit, reaffirming Sahrawi support for UN efforts toward self-determination and rejecting any non-rights-based “solutions.” Martyrs & Education: Dakhla marked National Martyrs’ Day and the close of the 2025–2026 academic year, with speeches and performances recalling sacrifice and the legacy of the revolution’s founders. Remembering Luali Mustafa Sayed: A 50th-anniversary reflection revisits the founder of the POLISARIO Front and his ideas on organisation, armed struggle, and alliance-building. Human Rights Pressure: A UN torture watchdog again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the Gdeim Izik protest, citing arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, and abuse. Occupied-Territory Solidarity: Swiss screenings in Bern highlighted documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisoned journalists, with calls for an end to international silence. Migration Lens Beyond the Sahara: Pope Leo’s Canary Islands visit puts a spotlight on migrant treatment, echoing wider debates about dignity and responsibility in Atlantic crossings.

UN Diplomacy: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with Sahrawi women, youth, and human rights groups, plus consultations with Sahrawi leadership, reaffirming the push for decolonization and self-determination. Occupied-Territory Rights: A European lawyers’ rights group condemned abuses against Sahrawi defenders, citing isolation measures and a de facto siege around defender Hussein Mjahid’s home in El Aaiún. Prisoners & Torture Claims: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp protest, pointing to arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, and coerced confessions. Cultural Activism in Switzerland: Two documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisoned journalists were screened in Bern, spotlighting family suffering and calling out international “silence.” Commemoration & Peacekeeping: Nepal marked UN Peacekeepers Day with ceremonies and noted posthumous UN honours for Nepali personnel, while UN events also honoured Indian peacekeepers. National Mourning: The Polisario Front announced three days of mourning after the death in combat of Commander Lehbib Mohamed Abdelaziz and two companions.

UN Peace Process: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with Sahrawi women, youth, and human rights groups, plus consultations with Sahrawi leadership, reaffirming the Sahrawi case for self-determination and rejecting any “pseudo-solutions” that legitimize occupation. National Mourning: The Sahrawi Republic declared three days of national mourning after the death in combat of Polisario commander Lehbib Mohamed Abdelaziz and two companions. Human Rights Under Pressure: European lawyers’ group condemned escalating restrictions and a reported de facto siege on Sahrawi defender Hussein Mjahid’s home in El Aaiún, while a UN torture watchdog again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the Gdeim Izik protest. Culture & Solidarity: Switzerland’s Abolish Festival screened documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisoned journalists, spotlighting family suffering and calling out international “silence.” Diplomacy & Strategy: A policy piece says Morocco has shifted its Western Sahara approach toward autonomy, governance, and coalition-building—while another analysis argues Algeria has redeployed its focus beyond the Sahara toward the Sahel.

UN Diplomacy: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit the Sahrawi refugee camps for talks with Sahrawi leadership and meetings with women, youth, and human rights groups, as the Polisario reaffirms self-determination and rejects “pseudo-solutions.” Human Cost: Morocco’s Foreign Policy analysis and a separate report on Morocco’s alleged abuse of Sahrawi prisoners both keep the spotlight on the Western Sahara dispute, including a UN Committee Against Torture finding of a “consistent pattern” of abuse tied to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protests. Occupied-Territory Rights: European lawyers condemn serious violations against Sahrawi defenders, citing isolation measures and a reported de facto siege at El Aaiún. Polisario Loss: The Presidency declares three days of national mourning after the death in combat of Polisario commander Lehbib Mohamed Abdelaziz and two companions. Regional Security Context: A week of coverage also tracks rising militarisation across Africa and Algeria’s shifting focus beyond the Sahara, alongside broader arms-race reporting. Culture & Awareness: Switzerland screens documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisoned journalists, while Slovenian TV features an interview with ISACOM president Aminatou Haidar.

UN Diplomacy: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to arrive this Sunday evening at the Sahrawi refugee camps, holding talks with Sahrawi leadership and meetings with women, youth, and human rights representatives, as the Polisario reaffirms self-determination and rejects any “pseudo-solutions” meant to legitimize Morocco’s occupation. Human Rights & Culture: In Switzerland, Bern’s Abolish Festival screened two documentaries on Sahrawi activists in occupied territories, spotlighting imprisoned journalists and the hardships faced by their families, with calls for an end to international silence. Rights Watch: The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights condemned alleged abuses against Sahrawi defenders, including reports of a de facto siege on a defender’s home in El Aaiún and restrictions meant to block solidarity and monitoring. Prisoners’ Treatment: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the Gdeim Izik protest, citing patterns of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and coerced confessions. Security & Economy: A SIPRI-based report ranks Algeria among Africa’s most militarised economies, highlighting how defence burdens and arms flows remain tightly linked to the Western Sahara dispute and wider regional instability.

Arms Race & Western Sahara: Morocco and Algeria are pouring more money into defence, with Rabat’s spending linked largely to the Western Sahara dispute while Algiers’ posture is also shaped by fallout from Libya and Sahel instability. Russian Military Links: Algeria has received its first Russian Su-34M strike fighters, tied to earlier Moscow arms deals. Human Rights Under Occupation: The UN Committee Against Torture again says Morocco violates the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the Gdeim Izik protest, citing arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture and coerced confessions. Legal Solidarity: The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights condemns abuses against Sahrawi defenders, including isolation measures and a reported de facto siege on Hussein Mjahid’s home in El Aaiún. Culture & Activism Abroad: Switzerland’s Abolish Festival screened documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisoned journalists, with speakers urging an end to international “silence.” Diplomacy & Treaties: Morocco and France are finalising a new friendship treaty meant to reset ties as “equals,” with support for the Western Sahara autonomy framework in the mix. Peacekeeping Remembrance: UN events marked International Day of UN Peacekeepers, including posthumous Dag Hammarskjöld Medals for fallen Indian and Bangladeshi personnel.

Algeria’s Sahara Shift, Sahel Redeploy: A new analysis argues Algiers hasn’t changed its goal on Western Sahara—it’s moving the fight to a less visible front in the Sahel and West Africa, focusing on routes, logistics, energy and regional leverage. Human Rights Under Occupation: The UN Committee Against Torture again flags Morocco for abuses against Sahrawi detainees tied to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protests, citing arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement and coerced confessions. Lawyers Condemn Siege Tactics: A Brussels-based lawyers group denounces escalating restrictions and a de facto siege around Sahrawi defender Hussein Mjahid’s home in El Aaiún, including electricity cuts. Culture & Activism on Screen: Switzerland’s Abolish Festival screened documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisoned journalists, spotlighting family suffering and calling out international “silence.” Diplomacy Watch: France and Morocco are finalizing a new friendship treaty, while Algeria and France continue diplomatic strain over Western Sahara positions. Peacekeeping Remembrance: UN events marked International Day of UN Peacekeepers with posthumous Dag Hammarskjöld Medals for fallen Indian and Bangladeshi personnel.