AGP Executive Report

UN Diplomacy: Austria backed UN Security Council Resolution 2797 on Western Sahara, saying “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty” could be the most feasible path, and welcoming Morocco’s willingness to explain how autonomy would work. Ceasefire Pressure: The UN voiced deep concern over escalatory actions by Moroccan occupation forces in areas including Agleibat El Fula, warning such moves could derail UN-led diplomatic efforts while UN envoy Staffan de Mistura was visiting. POLISARIO at the UN: Frente POLISARIO sent a letter to the UN Security Council condemning what it calls Moroccan criminal acts against Sahrawi civilians, including an attack using drones and long-range artillery on 5 June. Leadership and Mourning: The Sahrawi Republic held memorial ceremonies and declared national mourning after the death of Commander Lehbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, with tributes to his role in the struggle. Human Rights Watch: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, demanding better detention conditions, medical care, and transfer to prisons in Western Sahara. UN Envoy Consultations: UN envoy de Mistura concluded talks with Sahrawi leadership and civil groups, with discussions focused on prospects for the UN political process. Regional Solidarity: UGTSARIO briefed trade union partners in Geneva, calling Western Sahara the “last decolonization case” in Africa and urging stronger global labor solidarity.

Security Council Pressure: Frente POLISARIO condemned Morocco’s “criminal acts” against Sahrawi civilians in a letter to the UN Security Council, citing a 5 June attack on civilians in Gleibat El-Foula using drones and long-range artillery. UN Political Track: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up consultations with Sahrawi leaders and civil society, with Brahim Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward a just, final solution based on self-determination. Occupied-Territory Tensions: The Polisario Front marked the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, while analysis links the loss to the movement’s leadership succession debate and the risks of drone-driven warfare east of Morocco’s berm. Military Developments: SPLA units reported targeted strikes on Moroccan occupation headquarters in the Mahbes sector. Human Rights Alarm: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, demanding better detention conditions, medical care, and transfer. Regional Solidarity: UGTSARIO briefed trade unions in Geneva, calling for stronger international labor solidarity with the Sahrawi right to self-determination. State Capacity & Memory: Algeria’s National Archives director visited Sahrawi media archives and reiterated cooperation on training, digitization, and preserving Sahrawi collective memory. Crossing Update: Morocco’s “Marhaba 2026” operation begins 10 June, with 26 reception sites and expectations of nearly 3.5 million travelers.

SPLA Operations: Sahrawi forces said they targeted three Moroccan Army headquarters in the Mahbes sector, reporting losses in personnel and equipment. Leadership Shock: The Polisario announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a senior National Secretariat figure, amid claims of a drone strike after crossing Morocco’s defensive wall; three days of mourning were declared. UN Political Track: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up consultations with the Sahrawi side, with Brahim Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward self-determination and rejecting solutions that don’t guarantee it. Diplomatic Outreach: De Mistura also met Sahrawi women, youth and human rights groups during his visit to Tindouf camps. Archives & Memory: Algeria’s National Archives chief visited Sahrawi media and reaffirmed cooperation, including training on records management and digitization. Human Rights Pressure: Sahrawi activist Naâma Asfari entered a third day of indefinite hunger strike in Morocco, demanding better detention conditions and medical care. Transit Watch: Morocco’s “Marhaba 2026” crossing operation is set to run June 10 to Sept 15, with expectations of nearly 3.5 million travellers.

UN Diplomacy: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side and met President Brahim Ghali, who reiterated support for a peaceful, just solution based on Sahrawis’ right to self-determination. Camps Outreach: De Mistura also met Sahrawi women’s, youth and human rights groups during his Tindouf visit, with consultations aimed at restarting the UN-led political process. Leadership & Security: The Polisario announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a senior commander and son of late leader Mohamed Abdelaziz, after fighting near Morocco’s defensive wall, triggering three days of mourning. Martyrs & Memory: Dakhla marked National Martyrs’ Day and the academic year closing, while Cuba’s Sahrawi Embassy commemorated the 50th anniversary of El Ouali Mustapha Sayed’s martyrdom. Marhaba 2026: Morocco’s Foundation Mohammed V for Solidarity launched the Marhaba 2026 welcome operation, with 26 reception sites across Morocco and Europe and services running June 10 to Sept. 15. Regional Solidarity: UGTSARIO briefed trade unions in Geneva, calling the Western Sahara case the “last decolonization” file in Africa and urging stronger international support.

UN Mediation Update: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up a visit to the Sahrawi side, meeting President Brahim Ghali and Sahrawi women, youth, and human rights groups, with talks focused on the UN-backed peace process and prospects for a just, lasting solution based on self-determination. National Mourning & Leadership: The Polisario announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a senior military commander and son of late leader Mohamed Abdelaziz, and declared three days of mourning after reports of him being killed during an operation near Morocco’s defensive wall. Martyrs’ Commemorations: In Dakhla Wilaya, National Martyrs’ Day and the closing of the 2025–2026 academic year were marked with speeches, education updates, and cultural performances honoring El Ouali Mustapha Sayed. Solidarity in Geneva: UGTSARIO briefed the World Federation of Trade Unions in Geneva, urging stronger labor solidarity and calling Western Sahara the “last decolonization case” in Africa. Cuba Marks El Ouali: The Sahrawi Embassy in Cuba commemorated the 50th anniversary of El Ouali Mustapha Sayed’s martyrdom with cultural events and tributes to his role in founding the Polisario and the Sahrawi state. Environmental Justice: SONREP said environmental justice in Western Sahara is inseparable from self-determination, condemning resource exploitation in occupied areas without Sahrawi consent.

UN Mediation Update: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side, with President Brahim Ghali reaffirming support for UN efforts toward a just, final solution grounded in Sahrawi self-determination. Diplomatic Outreach: De Mistura also met Sahrawi women, youth, and human rights groups during his visit, while consultations with leadership fed into the next UN Security Council briefing. Martyrs and Memory: In Dakhla Wilaya, National Martyrs’ Day and the closing of the 2025–2026 academic year were marked with President Ghali in attendance, recalling El Ouali Mustapha Sayed and the sacrifices behind the Sahrawi revolution. Leadership Shock: The Polisario announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a senior commander and son of late leader Mohamed Abdelaziz, triggering three days of mourning and raising questions about future succession. Camps-to-UN Consultations: Earlier, de Mistura began a regional tour that included visits to Tindouf camps to consult stakeholders ahead of renewed political momentum. Rights and Resources: SONREP marked World Environment Day by arguing that environmental justice in Western Sahara is inseparable from Sahrawi control of natural resources, condemning exploitation without consent. International Solidarity: UGTSARIO briefed trade union leaders in Geneva, urging stronger global solidarity for the “last decolonization case” in Africa and calling for support of Sahrawi self-determination.

UN Mediation Update: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with the Sahrawi side, meeting Sahrawi women, youth and human rights groups and holding consultations with leadership, while also briefing on the UN-US track and the prospects for the UN-sponsored political process. Diplomatic Meetings: Sahrawi Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat met de Mistura to discuss a “just, fair and transparent” path guaranteeing the Sahrawi right to self-determination and independence. Tindouf Camps Tour: De Mistura’s regional tour also included his arrival in the Tindouf camps, with meetings involving MINURSO and local officials, as consultations aim to feed into his next Security Council briefing. Security and Leadership Loss: The Polisario announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a senior military commander and son of the late Mohamed Abdelaziz, with reports linking his killing to an attack near Morocco’s defensive wall. Occupied-Territory Rights: SONREP marked World Environment Day by warning that environmental justice in Western Sahara is inseparable from self-determination, condemning resource exploitation without Sahrawi consent. International Pressure on Decolonisation: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C24) heard calls from the British Virgin Islands to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance decolonisation of remaining territories. Heat and Disruption: Egypt’s meteorological authority warned of extreme heat and dust stirred by winds that could affect the Western Sahara region.

UN Decolonisation Pressure: The British Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands urged the UN C24 to use its “good offices” and visiting missions to advance decolonisation for remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories, including pushing for more on-the-ground assessments. UN Sahara Diplomacy: UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura wrapped up talks with Sahrawi women, youth and human rights groups and met Sahrawi leadership after discussions with the Sahrawi Foreign Affairs minister, with both sides stressing self-determination and rejecting “pseudo-solutions.” Tindouf Consultations: De Mistura also began a new regional tour with consultations in the Tindouf camps, as UN efforts aim to restart political talks under UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Human Cost in the Buffer Zone: The Sahrawi Republic declared three days of mourning after Polisario commander Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz was killed in combat, with reports alleging a drone strike near Morocco’s defensive wall. Environmental Justice: SONREP said environmental protection in Western Sahara is inseparable from the Sahrawi right to self-determination, condemning resource exploitation without consent. US Terror Designation Push: US lawmakers added momentum to a bill seeking scrutiny of Polisario links to Iran, with arguments tied to maritime security concerns near Gibraltar. Occupied-Territory Business: Heidelberg Materials acknowledged supplying cement and concrete for major infrastructure projects in occupied El Aaiún and Dakhla Atlantique.

UN Diplomacy in Tindouf: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura arrived in Sahrawi refugee camps, meeting Polisario and MINURSO officials as talks aim to restart a political process. National Mourning in Sahrawi Republic: The Presidency declared three days of mourning after the death in combat of Polisario commander Lehbib Mohamed Abdelaziz and two companions. Environmental Justice: SONREP marked World Environment Day by linking environmental justice in occupied Western Sahara to Sahrawi self-determination, denouncing resource exploitation without consent. Human Rights Pressure: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating rights of Sahrawi detainees tied to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protest, citing a pattern of arrests, solitary confinement and ill-treatment. Regional Security & Claims: A Mauritanian miners’ coalition denied reports that Mauritanian prospectors were targeted in a Moroccan drone strike, warning against misinformation that could inflame tensions. UN Security Council Changes: Five new non-permanent members were elected for 2027–2028, with Austria and Portugal backing the UN-led process and Morocco’s autonomy initiative. Arms Race Context: A SIPRI-based report highlighted how Algeria and Morocco’s defence spending continues to rise amid the wider militarisation of African economies.

Environmental Justice & Natural Resources: SONREP marked World Environment Day by saying environmental justice in Western Sahara is inseparable from Sahrawi self-determination, denouncing Morocco’s “intense and ongoing exploitation” of land and marine resources without Sahrawi consent and pledging to keep documenting the plundering. UN Diplomacy: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura arrived in the Sahrawi refugee camps near Tindouf for talks with POLISARIO leadership and meetings with Sahrawi women, youth, and human rights groups, as part of a push to revive the political process. Occupied Territory Under Scrutiny: A UN Committee Against Torture finding again accused Morocco of violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the Gdeim Izik camp protest, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and coerced confessions. International Pressure on MINURSO: Reports say MINURSO is reducing medical services as the UN reviews its future role in Western Sahara. Arms Race Context: New reporting highlights how Algeria and Morocco’s defence spending continues to rise, with Western Sahara cited as a driver for Rabat’s posture. Solidarity & Advocacy: Trade union and left-wing groups in Africa and Latin America reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination, including solidarity meetings around the ILO and broader calls to end occupation and neocolonial domination. U.S. Terror Designation Push: U.S. lawmakers renewed efforts to scrutinize and potentially label POLISARIO as a terrorist organization, citing alleged Iran-linked ties and maritime-security concerns.

Arms Race Spending: Algeria and Morocco are pouring far more money into defence, with Algeria’s outlay put at 8.8% of GDP and Morocco’s rising 6.6% to $6.3bn—both framed as tied to regional instability and, for Rabat, the Western Sahara dispute. UN Sahara Diplomacy: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit the Tindouf camps to deliver a “last warning” tied to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and to push a new round of quadripartite talks under Morocco’s autonomy plan. Occupied-Territory Scrutiny: Germany’s Heidelberg Materials says it supplied cement and concrete for major infrastructure in occupied Western Sahara, including ports at El Aaiún and Dakhla Atlantique—raising fresh questions about corporate involvement in Morocco’s consolidation. MINURSO Changes: MINURSO is reported to be reducing medical services as the UN reviews its future role in the Sahara file. Human Rights Findings: The UN Committee Against Torture again flags Morocco for violations against Sahrawi detainees linked to the Gdeim Izik protest, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment. Terror Designation Push: US lawmakers are gaining momentum to scrutinize and potentially label the Polisario as a terrorist group, citing alleged Iran-linked ties and maritime-security concerns near Gibraltar. Regional Solidarity: Sahrawi representatives and trade unions continue mobilising support abroad, including at African youth/sports minister meetings and Latin American labour forums in Geneva.

UN Mediation Update: UN Sahara Envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit the Tindouf camps to deliver a “last warning” tied to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and to help restart quadripartite talks under Morocco’s autonomy framework. MINURSO Restructuring: The UN mission has begun cutting costs, including dismantling parts of its medical center and ending contracts for around 20 medical staff, as it reviews its future role amid shifting political dynamics. Human Rights & Justice: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protests, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and coerced confessions. Occupied Territory Watch: German firm Heidelberg Materials says it continues supplying cement and concrete for major infrastructure projects in occupied Western Sahara, including ports in El Aaiún and Dakhla. Solidarity & Diplomacy: Sahrawi officials and allied unions renewed international support for self-determination, including at events in Geneva and through messages to partners such as Uganda and Zimbabwe. US Terror Designation Push: US lawmakers are pressing to scrutinize and potentially label Polisario as a terrorist organization, citing alleged Iran-linked ties and maritime-security concerns.

UN Peacekeeping Tribute: The UN posthumously honoured two Indian peacekeepers with the Dag Hammarskjold Medal for their “ultimate sacrifice” on International Day of UN Peacekeepers, with the medal received at UN headquarters in New York. MINURSO Restructuring: MINURSO has started cutting costs and reorganising services, including the dismantling of its medical center and contract terminations for around 20 medical staff, as the mission reviews its future mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Diplomacy at the UN: Polisario UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar said the C-24 regional seminar in Managua drew strong backing for Sahrawi self-determination and called for expediting a referendum. Occupied Territories Rights: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp protest, citing a consistent pattern of abuse and coerced confessions. Political Solidarity: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi liberation and self-determination, while the World Peace Council urged an end to Morocco’s occupation. Security Council Shift: Five new non-permanent members were elected for 2027–2028, with the UN body overseeing the Sahara file set to see a new mix of voices.

UN Security Council Diplomacy: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali congratulated Zimbabwe on its election to the UN Security Council for 2027–2029, calling it a boost for Africa’s voice and for peace and self-determination. Labour Solidarity: UGTSARIO held a solidarity meeting in Geneva on the sidelines of the 114th ILO Conference, urging stronger international support for Sahrawi self-determination and highlighting workers’ and human rights as key decolonization issues. Human Rights Under Pressure: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protest, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture and coerced confessions. International Spotlight in Switzerland: Two documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisoned journalists were screened in Bern, with speakers condemning international “silence” over abuses in occupied territories. MINURSO Restructuring: MINURSO has started cost-cutting and restructuring, including reductions to medical services, as the UN reviews its future role in the Sahara. Security Developments: SPLA units targeted an occupation command headquarters in the Farsia sector, reporting heavy losses in personnel and equipment. US Moves on Terror Designation: A US bill to scrutinize alleged Polisario links to Iran-backed networks gained momentum with a new Democratic backer, pushing for possible terrorism-related sanctions. Regional Political Support: South Africa’s Left Conference and the World Peace Council both reaffirmed support for Sahrawi liberation and the right to self-determination.

Sahrawi rights in the spotlight in Switzerland: Two documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisoned journalists were screened at Bern’s Abolish Festival, featuring Polisario representation and Equipe Media coordinator Mohamed Mayara, who condemned international “silence” over alleged abuses in Moroccan prisons. UN-led political push: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to travel to the Tindouf camps to deliver a “last warning” tied to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and to restart quadripartite talks around Morocco’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. Human rights watchdogs renew pressure: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protest, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement and torture/ill-treatment. MINURSO restructuring: MINURSO has begun cost-cutting and reorganizing medical and logistical services as part of a review of its future role. Diplomatic and political solidarity: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination and condemned neocolonial domination; similar calls also echoed through other solidarity statements this week. US terrorism-designation drive: US lawmakers gained another backer for a bill seeking scrutiny of alleged Polisario links to Iran, with renewed claims aimed at pushing terrorism-related sanctions. Occupied-territory abuses condemned: European lawyers’ group says Sahrawi human rights defenders face serious violations, including isolation measures and a reported de facto siege at El Aaiún. SPLA operations reported: Sahrawi forces said they targeted a command headquarters in the Farsia sector, reporting heavy losses for occupation forces.

UN Mediation: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to travel this weekend to the Tindouf camps to deliver a final warning to Polisario leaders, as the UN pushes a new round of quadripartite talks under UN Security Council Resolution 2797 backing Morocco’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. Ceasefire Pressure: The trip follows UN condemnation of Polisario-linked rocket attacks on the Moroccan city of Smara, with MINURSO and international partners warning the conflict can’t continue. US Terror Designations: US Senator Ted Cruz renewed claims that Polisario is an Iran-backed proxy and backed calls to designate it a terrorist group, while a separate US bill to impose sanctions is gaining traction in Washington. Human Rights in Occupied Territories: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees tied to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protests, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests and abuse. MINURSO Restructuring: MINURSO is reducing medical services as the UN reviews its future role in Western Sahara. SPLA Operations: Sahrawi forces reported targeting a Moroccan occupation command headquarters in the Farsia sector. Solidarity Abroad: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination, while the World Peace Council called for an end to Morocco’s occupation.