AGP Executive Report

Prisoner Health Crisis: Sahrawi civilian prisoner Naâma Asfari’s hunger strike entered its second month, with the National Council and CONASADH blaming Moroccan authorities for any further deterioration and calling for urgent independent medical care, an end to solitary confinement, and access for the ICRC and UN mechanisms. Family Protest in Rabat: Families of the Gdeim Izik prisoners staged a protest in Rabat, denouncing torture, forced starvation and denial of fair-trial rights, and warning the situation could amount to crimes against humanity. International Pressure: The International League for Human Rights urged Germany to intervene to save Asfari’s life, while ISACOM called on the UN Security Council to act immediately. Film Boycott Push: Reactions continue over filming scenes for Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” in occupied Dakhla, with French solidarity groups saying it normalizes occupation and erases Sahrawi memory. Diplomacy & Solidarity: The Sahrawi Republic’s envoy to Kenya signed a condolence book for Venezuela earthquake victims, and the Sahrawi Movement for Peace reported new diplomatic engagement at the UN, including a meeting with the US ambassador. Resource & Legal Debate: A book launch in Las Palmas highlighted “Morocco, the Occupying Power in Western Sahara,” examining the conflict’s legal and human rights dimensions.

Hunger Strike Crisis: Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari’s open-ended hunger strike entered its second month, with rights groups and families in Rabat warning of imminent danger and blaming Moroccan prison authorities for medical neglect and retaliation. International Pressure: The International League for Human Rights urged Germany to intervene, while CONASADH and ISACOM called for urgent UN action, independent medical care, and access for the Red Cross and UN mechanisms. Prisoner Solidarity: Gdeim Izik prisoners announced a two-day warning hunger strike in Kenitra in solidarity with Asfari. Diplomatic Outreach: The Sahrawi Republic’s envoy to Kenya signed a condolence book for Venezuela’s earthquake victims, and Sahrawi officials continued regional engagement, including briefings to SADC. Western Sahara in Global Spotlight: A film festival campaign renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes shot in occupied Dakhla, while Chile backed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara.

Hunger Strike Crisis: International League for Human Rights in Berlin urged Germany to intervene to save Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari, now in a hunger strike in Kenitra prison, while CONASADH and families of the Gdeim Izik prisoners in Rabat blamed Moroccan authorities for medical neglect and demanded urgent UN action. Prisoner Solidarity: Gdeim Izik prisoners announced a two-day warning hunger strike in solidarity with Asfari as his strike enters its second month. Diplomatic Pressure: Italy’s lawmakers raised the alarm over Asfari’s deteriorating health, calling for diplomatic and multilateral intervention to secure independent medical care. International Spotlight: FiSahara renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in occupied Dakhla, as the film’s London premiere drew global attention. Regional Outreach: The Sahrawi Republic briefed SADC on self-determination efforts, while the Sahrawi Movement for Peace highlighted growing UN engagement and new international contacts.

Autonomy Diplomacy: Chile’s parliamentary delegation backed Morocco’s Western Sahara Autonomy Plan, endorsing UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and calling it a “serious and lasting solution,” while framing Morocco as a gateway between Chile and Africa. Prisoner Crisis: Sahrawi Organ Against the Moroccan Occupation (ISACOM) urged urgent UN action for Naâma Asfari as his hunger strike enters a second month, while Gdeim Izik prisoners announced a two-day warning hunger strike in solidarity. SADR Outreach: The Sahrawi Republic briefed SADC on self-determination efforts, reaffirming regional support and coordination through AU and UN channels. New Sahrawi Political Move: Salek Baba Hasna took an oath as a new member of the Polisario Front National Secretariat. Diplomatic Pressure on Representation: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) says it is gaining recognition abroad, including a reported US meeting with MSP leaders that challenges Polisario’s “sole representative” claim. Cultural-Political Row: FiSahara renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in occupied Dakhla, accusing the production of normalizing Morocco’s control.

Hunger Strike Crisis: Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari has entered a second month of open-ended hunger strike in Moroccan detention, with ISACOM urging the UN Security Council and international bodies to act urgently as his health deteriorates. Prison Solidarity: Gdeim Izik prisoners in Moroccan jails announced a two-day warning hunger strike in solidarity with Asfari, calling Morocco responsible for his life and safety. Diplomatic Push: The Sahrawi Republic’s special envoy briefed the African Union Commission chairperson on latest developments, while SADR also updated SADC on self-determination efforts. New Sahrawi Voice at the UN: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) says it is gaining diplomatic traction, including a first-time meeting with the US ambassador to the UN. Western Sahara on the Global Stage: A Barbados committee “Barbados with Western Sahara” was launched to back Sahrawi self-determination, while Italian lawmakers pressed for action over hunger strikers. Cultural Boycott Row: FiSahara and others renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in occupied Dakhla.

Film & Occupation Debate: FiSahara and other critics are calling for a boycott of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” after scenes were filmed in occupied Dakhla, saying the production “normalises” Morocco’s presence and violates Sahrawi rights; the film premiered in London on July 7 amid near-universal buzz but fresh political backlash. Diplomatic Outreach: The Sahrawi Republic’s special envoy briefed the African Union Commission chair in Addis Ababa on latest developments in the Sahrawi cause, while the SADR also met SADC in Gaborone to reaffirm regional support for decolonisation and self-determination. Regional Solidarity: Lesotho’s prime minister met the Sahrawi foreign minister, reiterating support for self-determination, and Brazil’s Socialist Youth Union adopted a declaration backing the Sahrawi people and calling for an end to occupation. Human Rights Pressure: Italian lawmakers urged urgent action for Sahrawi hunger striker Naâma Asfari and other prisoners, as health concerns continue to mount. New Sahrawi Voice at the UN: The U.S. met the Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP), highlighting “voices committed to peace,” adding to the push for alternatives to Polisario’s monopoly claims.

Sahrawi Diplomacy at the AU: The Republic’s special envoy, Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, briefed the African Union Commission chairperson in Addis Ababa on the latest developments in the Sahrawi cause, reaffirming SADR’s push for self-determination through international law. Regional Support in Southern Africa: SADR also briefed SADC on its self-determination struggle and regional cooperation, with SADC reiterating solidarity and coordination via AU and UN platforms. Human Rights Pressure in Italy: Italian lawmakers urged urgent action to secure the release and medical care of Sahrawi hunger striker Naâma Asfari and other prisoners, after concerns over deteriorating conditions in Moroccan custody. UN Representation Battle: The U.S. met the Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP), signaling openness to “Saharawi voices” committed to peace and compromise, challenging claims of sole representation. Film Boycott Over Dakhla: FiSahara and international media amplified calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” after scenes were filmed in occupied Dakhla, alleging normalization of Morocco’s control and trampling of international law. New Solidarity in the Caribbean: Barbados-based activists launched “Barbados with Western Sahara” to raise awareness and back SADR’s self-determination and independence.

Film & Law Clash: The Western Sahara International Film Festival (FiSahara) is calling for a boycott of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” saying scenes filmed in Morocco-controlled Dakhla “trample on international law” and help “normalize” Morocco’s presence in the non-self-governing territory. Diplomacy at the UN: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) says it is gaining traction abroad, with a delegation led by Hach Ahmed Baricalla meeting U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz and presenting a “pragmatic” path beyond the Polisario stalemate. Regional Outreach: The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic briefed SADC on self-determination efforts, with SADC reaffirming support through dialogue and multilateral cooperation. Prisoners’ Health Pressure: Italy’s lawmakers urged urgent action over Sahrawi hunger striker Naâma Asfari and other prisoners, while human rights groups warn of medical neglect. Political Solidarity Abroad: The French Communist Party renewed support for the Sahrawi cause and urged action against exploitation of Western Sahara’s resources. Heat & Tensions: Morocco extended extreme heat alerts, while SPLA units reported attacks on Moroccan positions in the Mahbes sector.

Diplomatic Signals: Polisario Secretary-General Brahim Ghali sent Algeria’s Abdelmadjid Tebboune a message congratulating him on Algeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, reiterating Algeria’s “principled” backing for Sahrawi self-determination. Resource Politics: The French Communist Party’s 40th congress in Lille backed the Sahrawi cause and urged action against companies “plundering” Western Sahara’s natural resources, with Polisario representatives attending. Prisoners and Hunger Strike: Italian lawmakers escalated pressure on Rome to demand the release and medical care of Sahrawi hunger striker Naâma Asfari and other prisoners held in Moroccan jails. Regional Diplomacy: SADR briefed SADC on the self-determination push, with SADC reaffirming support through dialogue and UN-aligned multilateral cooperation. Human Rights Watch: Front Line Defenders warned of serious health deterioration for Asfari and called for independent medical access and an end to ill-treatment. International Pressure Campaign: A film festival renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in Morocco-occupied Western Sahara.

UN Diplomacy Shift: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) secured fresh backing at the UN after a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz, who publicly endorsed MSP’s “voices committed to peace” and signaled a break from Polisario’s “sole representative” claim. EU/International Law Push: Sweden’s opposition parties vow to restore a policy grounded in international law and Sahrawi self-determination after elections, criticizing the current government’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan. France’s Sahara Engagement: France’s new ambassador Philippe Lalliot began his mission with a trip to Laayoune and the inauguration of a French Alliance, while the Sahrawi Republic’s foreign ministry condemned a French ambassador’s visit to occupied El Aaiun as a provocation. Rights Under Pressure: Front Line Defenders warned of serious health deterioration for Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari amid an open-ended hunger strike, urging immediate medical access and an end to ill-treatment. Culture & Boycotts: The Sahara International Film Festival called for a boycott of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in Dakhla. Regional Support: Namibia renewed calls for the UN to lead the Western Sahara process, while Sahrawi officials reported continued diplomatic outreach in Botswana and Burundi. On the Ground: SPLA units said they targeted Moroccan positions in the Mahbes sector’s Amhaibes Ramt area. Weather Watch: Morocco extended orange heat alerts through Wednesday, with temperatures reaching around 46C in parts of the country, including southern provinces and Laayoune.

Heat and wind alerts: Morocco’s meteorology agency extended an orange heat alert through Wednesday, with forecasts up to 46C in parts of the interior and south, and warned of strong gusts in the north. Diplomacy and recognition: Former South African President Jacob Zuma backed Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy stance during a lecture in Ghana, while Namibia renewed its call for the UN to lead the dispute resolution through dialogue. France and Laayoune: The Sahrawi Republic condemned a French ambassador’s visit to occupied El Aaiun as a “provocation,” as France’s new ambassador Philippe Lalliot began his mission with meetings in Laayoune and the inauguration of a French Alliance. Culture and protest: The Western Sahara International Film Festival urged a boycott of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey over scenes filmed in Dakhla. Security developments: The SPLA said it targeted Moroccan positions in the Mahbes sector, including Amhaibes Ramt, as part of an ongoing attrition campaign. Human rights pressure: Front Line Defenders warned of serious health deterioration for hunger-striking Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari and urged Morocco to provide independent medical care.

U.S.-Morocco Trade & Israel Link: President Trump declared a national emergency and temporarily suspended anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer for eight months, framing it as food-security support for American farmers while critics see a wider strategic push. French Diplomacy in Laayoune: Sahrawi authorities condemned a French ambassador’s visit to occupied El Aaiun as a provocation, while France’s new ambassador Philippe Lalliot began his mission in Laayoune and inaugurated a French Alliance, citing deeper cooperation. Culture & Boycott Pressure: The Sahara International Film Festival (FiSahara) renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” after scenes filmed in Dakhla, arguing it normalizes Morocco’s control of Western Sahara. SPLA Operations: SPLA units targeted Moroccan positions in the Mahbes sector, including bombardments in Amhaibes Ramt and attacks in Amgala Dchera. Human Rights Alarm: Front Line Defenders urged Morocco to release Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari and ensure independent medical care as his hunger strike worsens. Regional Politics: Polisario-linked figures continued international outreach, including participation in the French Communist Party congress, while Sahrawi officials met Botswana’s president to reaffirm support for self-determination.

Boycott Call Over Film Scenes: The Sahara International Film Festival (FiSahara) urged a public boycott of Christopher Nolan’s upcoming The Odyssey, saying scenes shot in Dakhla violate Sahrawi rights as a non-self-governing territory under UN law. Diplomatic Outreach: Sahrawi Foreign Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat met Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko, briefing him on the national cause and thanking the country for backing self-determination; the Sahrawi Republic also took part in Burundi’s girls’ and women’s education conference, highlighting barriers to education under Moroccan occupation. Human Rights Pressure: Front Line Defenders warned that Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari’s health is deteriorating after an open-ended hunger strike, calling for urgent independent medical care and an end to ill-treatment. UN and US Engagement: The U.S. UN mission met the Sahrawi Movement for Peace, presenting it as a peace-focused alternative to Polisario, while Namibia renewed its call for the UN to lead the dispute resolution. Spain Citizenship Move: Spain’s Congress advanced a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with July approval expected. Regional Climate Alert: Morocco issued an updated orange heatwave warning affecting parts including Laayoune and surrounding provinces.

Laayoune French Alliance: A new French Alliance in Laayoune was inaugurated on Wednesday with French Ambassador Philippe Lalliot present, framed as follow-through on Macron’s 2024 commitments and aimed at expanding French-language education, cultural exchange, and arts cooperation. France-Morocco Sahara diplomacy: Lalliot also began his mission with meetings across Laayoune’s regional and municipal institutions and reiterated Paris’ support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as the “serious, credible and realistic” basis for resolving the dispute. Laayoune investment push: The Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region promoted investment opportunities in Paris at a Morocco-France economic forum, highlighting renewables, fisheries, the blue economy, logistics, manufacturing, and tourism. Spain citizenship for Sahrawis: Spain’s Congress advanced a bill to grant Spanish nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, clearing a key committee stage with July approval forecast. Human rights pressure on Naâma Asfari: Italian MPs renewed calls for the urgent release of Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari, citing his hunger strike since June 8 and deteriorating health; Front Line Defenders also urged Morocco to provide independent medical care. UN and Sahrawi representation: The U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz met the Sahrawi Movement for Peace, presenting it as a peace-focused alternative to Polisario, while Namibia renewed its call for the UN to lead the process toward self-determination. Trade and institutions: Sahrawi officials briefed NEPAD on institution-building, and the Sahrawi trade ministry discussed ways to deepen Sahrawi Republic participation in AfCFTA structures. Weather alert: Morocco issued an updated orange heatwave warning affecting multiple provinces including Laayoune, with extreme temperatures and strong winds.

Diplomacy & UN Track: The U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, Mike Waltz, met the Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP), backing a “peace, compromise” approach and urging the world to hear a Sahrawi voice that rejects Polisario radicalism, in the wider push linked to UNSC Resolution 2797. Human Rights Under Pressure: Italian MPs demanded the urgent release of Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari, citing his hunger strike since June 8 and Morocco’s refusal to comply with UN human rights mechanisms; Front Line Defenders also warned of serious health deterioration and medical neglect. Judicial Retaliation: Sahrawi lawyer Dr. Mohamed Hali told the UN Human Rights Council that Morocco uses the judiciary to retaliate against Sahrawi defenders, while Aminatou Haidar warned that AI and digital tools are being used to intensify surveillance and discrimination against Sahrawi women activists. Regional Support & Self-Determination: Namibia renewed its call for the UN to lead the dispute resolution through dialogue, received Sahrawi envoy Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, and reaffirmed support for self-determination. Spain’s Citizenship Move: Spain’s Congress advanced a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with a July approval forecast after PSOE and Sumar aligned positions. Trade & Institutions: The Sahrawi Minister of Trade discussed boosting Sahrawi Republic participation in AfCFTA structures, as NEPAD visited Sahrawi institutions on healthcare, education, and state-building. Border Security: A U.S. mission delegation visited El Guerguerat to discuss border security, counter-narcotics, and human trafficking, highlighting the corridor’s role and the dispute’s flashpoints. On the Ground: Morocco issued updated orange heatwave alerts across multiple provinces, while Laayoune celebrated Morocco’s World Cup Round of 16 qualification.

Spain Citizenship Push: Spain’s Congress committee cleared a close vote to advance a bill granting Spanish nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with PSOE, Sumar and left allies backing it and PP/Vox opposing—setting up further votes in July. Human Rights Pressure: Italian MPs urged Italy to demand the release of Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari, citing his hunger strike since June 8 and alleged detention conditions; Front Line Defenders also warned of serious health deterioration and medical neglect. UN Diplomacy & Competing Voices: The U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz met the Sahrawi Movement for Peace, signaling Washington’s push for a “durable solution” aligned with UNSC Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy plan; meanwhile, Polisario’s UN representative reiterated that no state can strip Sahrawis of their rights. Regional Outreach: NEPAD briefed on Sahrawi institution-building in health and education; Namibia renewed its call for the UN to lead Western Sahara talks, with dialogue over confrontation. Trade & Institutions: The Sahrawi Republic’s trade minister met AfCFTA officials in Abuja to boost Sahrawi participation in AfCFTA structures and legal-instrument implementation. Security & Border Focus: A U.S. mission delegation visited El Guerguerat to discuss border security, counter-trafficking and drug smuggling, underscoring regional stability around the corridor. Health & Weather Context: Morocco issued updated orange heatwave alerts affecting Laayoune and surrounding provinces, as Laayoune celebrated Morocco’s World Cup Round of 16 qualification.