AGP Executive Report

MINURSO Restructuring: The UN mission in Western Sahara has started cutting costs, including reducing medical services after dismantling a medical center and ending contracts for around 20 medical staff, as part of a wider review of its future role. Human Rights Under Pressure: European lawyers’ group condemns alleged abuses against Sahrawi defenders in occupied territories, including reports of a de facto siege at the home of activist Hussein Mjahid in El Aaiún and restrictions meant to block solidarity. C-24 Support for Self-Determination: Frente POLISARIO UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar says the C-24 regional seminar in Managua drew strong backing from countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean for Sahrawi self-determination and a referendum. Political Solidarity in Africa: South Africa’s Left Conference and the World Peace Council renewed calls for ending Morocco’s occupation and backing Sahrawi independence, while South Africa’s EFF leader Julius Malema said it’s “shameful” to celebrate liberation while Western Sahara remains under occupation. Legal/Corporate Scrutiny: Catalonia for Freedom of Sahrawi People urges AZURA Group to respect European court rulings and stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan, demanding accurate origin labeling. U.S. Terror Listing Push: A U.S. bill gaining traction would seek sanctions by designating Polisario armed militias as a terrorist organization, citing alleged links to wider militant networks. Regional Diplomacy: France and Algeria continue a rapprochement track after tensions tied to Western Sahara, while Morocco’s ties with Gulf states and France’s new ambassador in Rabat signal a strategic push.

MINURSO Restructuring: The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has started cutting costs by reducing medical services, including dismantling a medical center and ending contracts for around 20 medical staff, as part of a wider review of its future role under UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Human Rights Under Pressure: The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights condemned alleged serious abuses against Sahrawi human rights defenders in occupied Western Sahara, including reports of a de facto siege around defender Hussein Mjahid’s home in El Aaiún and restrictions meant to block solidarity and monitoring. Corporate Accountability in Dakhla: Catalonia for the Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and partners launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging it to stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan and to ensure exports to Europe carry accurate origin labels, citing European court rulings that treat Western Sahara as legally separate from Morocco. Political Support for Self-Determination: South Africa’s EFF and the World Peace Council renewed calls to end Morocco’s “occupation” and back Sahrawi self-determination, while Burundi reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan and welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2797. U.S. Terror Designation Push: A U.S. bill gaining traction would label Polisario militias as a terrorist organization, with lawmakers citing alleged links to Iran-backed networks.

MINURSO Restructuring: MINURSO has started cutting costs by closing its Laayoune medical center and ending contracts for around 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare staff, with equipment set to be handed to local humanitarian partners, as the UN reviews the mission’s future under Security Council Resolution 2797. Human Rights Pressure: European lawyers’ group condemns alleged abuses against Sahrawi defenders in occupied Western Sahara, including isolation measures and a reported de facto siege on human rights defender Hussein Mjahid’s home in El Aaiún. UN Decolonization Debate: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee C24 that the Sahara file should no longer be on its agenda, arguing the Security Council has taken over after Resolution 2797 and that the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty is the “only serious” basis for a settlement. Local Activism vs Corporate Claims: Catalan and French civil society groups launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging it to respect European court rulings and stop marketing Dakhla as “south of Morocco,” demanding accurate origin labeling for exports. Solidarity Messages: South Africa’s EFF and the World Peace Council renewed calls to end Morocco’s occupation and back Sahrawi self-determination, with EFF leader Julius Malema saying it is “shameful” to celebrate African liberation while Western Sahara remains occupied.

MINURSO Update: MINURSO has shut its medical center at its Laayoune headquarters after about 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare workers left, with equipment set to be transferred to local humanitarian groups as the UN restructures the mission ahead of a review tied to Security Council Resolution 2797. Human Rights Pressure: The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights condemned alleged serious abuses against Sahrawi human rights defenders in occupied Western Sahara, including reports of a de facto siege around defender Hussein Mjahid’s home in El Aaiún and restrictions meant to block solidarity and monitoring. UN Track and Autonomy Push: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee C24 that the Sahara file should no longer be on its agenda, arguing the Security Council has taken over after Resolution 2797 and that talks should move toward a definitive settlement based on Morocco’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. Diplomatic Outreach: Sahrawi Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat sent congratulations to Lesotho’s new foreign minister, reaffirming Lesotho’s support for Sahrawi self-determination and independence. Legal/Corporate Campaign: Catalonia for Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective urged the AZURA Group to respect European court rulings and stop marketing Dakhla as “south of Morocco,” warning that accurate origin labeling matters for respecting international law.

Human Rights in Occupied Western Sahara: The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights condemned alleged serious abuses against Sahrawi human rights defenders, citing isolation measures and a reported de facto siege on the home of defender Hussein Mjahid in El Aaiún. Corporate Accountability: Catalonia for the Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and French partners urged AZURA Group to respect European court rulings, stop calling Dakhla “south of Morocco,” and ensure correct origin labels for exports. MINURSO Restructuring: MINURSO closed its medical center in Laayoune after the departure of around 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare staff, with equipment set to move to local humanitarian partners as the UN reviews the mission under Resolution 2797. UN Decolonization Track: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee (C24) the Sahara file should no longer be on its agenda, arguing the Security Council has taken over after Resolution 2797 and that talks should focus on Morocco’s autonomy plan. Diplomatic Signals: UN and U.S.-France discussions on the Sahara reiterated the need for a resolution aligned with Resolution 2797, keeping Morocco’s autonomy proposal central.

MINURSO Restructuring in Laayoune: MINURSO has closed its medical center at headquarters in Laayoune after contracts ended for around 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare workers, with equipment set to be transferred to local humanitarian partners as the UN reviews the mission under Security Council Resolution 2797. UN Decolonization Track Shift: Morocco told the UN C24 that the Sahara file should no longer sit on the committee’s agenda, arguing the Security Council has taken the lead after Resolution 2797 and that talks should move toward a settlement based on Morocco’s autonomy plan. International Backing for Autonomy: Burundi reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan before the UN C24, welcoming Resolution 2797 as a historic turning point and calling for constructive engagement by Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario. Diplomatic Outreach: A Sahrawi delegation met Nicaragua’s National Assembly board, while Zimbabwe’s president reaffirmed unconditional support for Sahrawi self-determination. Global Spotlight on Sahrawi Cause: Slovenian TV featured the Sahrawi issue via an interview with ISACOM president Aminatou Haidar, who highlighted rights violations and called for stronger EU solidarity. UN Peacekeeping Commemoration: UN chief António Guterres will honor six Bangladeshi peacekeepers posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on June 5, with deployments also including Western Sahara. Regional Diplomacy: US adviser Massad Boulos met France’s North Africa and Middle East official to align on a peaceful, durable Sahara resolution under Resolution 2797. Ceasefire Monitoring Changes: Reports also point to MINURSO staffing and observation adjustments, including the withdrawal of a helicopter used for monitoring. Economic Pressure Point: A report says only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025, the lowest number recorded, despite export volumes rising.

MINURSO Restructuring in Laayoune: MINURSO has shut down its Laayoune headquarters medical center after about 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare staff left, with equipment set to be transferred to local humanitarian groups as the UN reviews the mission ahead of its October 2026 mandate end. UN Peacekeeping Memorial: On June 5, UN chief António Guterres will posthumously award the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a 2025 drone strike in Abyei, as part of International Day of UN Peacekeepers ceremonies at UN Headquarters in New York. Morocco vs UN Decolonization Track: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee (C24) that the Sahara file should no longer be on its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has shifted the process to a political settlement centered on Morocco’s autonomy plan. Western Sahara Diplomacy: A Sahrawi delegation met Nicaragua’s National Assembly board, while Zimbabwe’s president reiterated support for Sahrawi self-determination. Sahara Economy Watch: A report says only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025—the lowest recorded—highlighting continued controversy over the trade. US-France Talks: US adviser Massad Boulos met France’s North Africa and Middle East official to align on a peaceful, durable Western Sahara resolution under UN Security Council Resolution 2797.

MINURSO Restructuring in Laayoune: MINURSO has shut its medical center at its Laayoune headquarters after about 20 doctors, nurses and healthcare staff left, with equipment set to be transferred to local humanitarian partners as the UN reviews the mission ahead of its October 2026 mandate end. UN Decolonization Track Under Pressure: Morocco told the UN C24 decolonization committee the Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has shifted the process to the Council and that Rabat’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty is the only credible basis for a final settlement. US-France Coordination on Sahara: US adviser Massad Boulos met France’s North Africa and Middle East official Romaric Roignan, with both sides stressing a peaceful, durable solution under Resolution 2797. Peacekeeping Commemorations: Ahead of June 5, the UN will honour fallen peacekeepers, including six Bangladeshi personnel, with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, as International Peacekeepers Day is observed. Sahrawi Diplomacy Abroad: Sahrawi delegations met Nicaragua’s National Assembly and took part in an anti-fascist forum in Russia, with leaders reiterating support for self-determination. Phosphate Trade Watch: A report says only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025, the lowest recorded, as exports reached about 2.02 million tonnes.

UN Decolonization Push: Morocco told the UN C24 decolonization committee that the Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has shifted the process to a political settlement centered on Rabat’s autonomy plan. US-France Coordination: A senior US adviser met France’s North Africa and Middle East director to align on a “peaceful, durable” Sahara resolution under Resolution 2797, alongside talks on Libya and Sudan. Human Rights at Gdeim Izik: A joint rights statement says the UN Committee Against Torture found Moroccan authorities used torture and ill-treatment against Sahrawi detainees linked to Gdeim Izik, with confessions later used in convictions. Sahrawi Diplomacy Abroad: Sahrawi representatives met Nicaragua’s National Assembly and took part in an anti-fascist forum in Russia, while Zimbabwe reiterated unconditional support for Sahrawi self-determination. Peacekeeping Remembrance: UN chief António Guterres will honour fallen peacekeepers on June 5, including six Bangladeshi personnel killed in a 2025 drone strike, as UN Peacekeepers Day is marked. Economy & Control: A report says only three companies imported Western Sahara phosphate rock in 2025—the lowest recorded—while exports rose in volume, underscoring ongoing controversy over exploitation.

UN Peacekeeping Focus: India marked International Day of UN Peacekeepers by honoring fallen “Blue Helmets,” stressing its “unflinching commitment” to UN missions and noting it has lost more than 180 Indian peacekeepers in service. Sahrawi Diplomacy Abroad: A Sahrawi delegation met Nicaragua’s National Assembly board, with Nicaragua reiterating support for Sahrawi self-determination, while the Polisario also took part in Russia’s Third International Anti-Fascist Forum to spotlight alleged repression in occupied Western Sahara. Western Sahara at UN/Europe: Ireland reaffirmed backing for the UN-led political process under MINURSO and warned against escalation after attacks near Smara, as Morocco’s UN envoy argued keeping the Sahara file on the C-24 agenda is “anachronistic.” Rights and Detention Claims: Human rights groups said the UN Committee Against Torture found Morocco used torture and ill-treatment against Gdeim Izik detainees, including long arbitrary detention. Economy Pressure Point: A report said only three companies imported Western Sahara phosphate rock in 2025—the lowest on record—while export volumes rose, renewing calls to stop the trade.

US-France Diplomacy: US Presidential adviser Massad Boulos met France’s North Africa and Middle East director Romaric Rouignane, agreeing to keep pushing a peaceful, durable Western Sahara settlement under UN Security Council Resolution 2797. UN Decolonization Track: Algeria reaffirmed its stance at the UN Committee of 24 seminar in Managua, stressing self-determination and backing direct talks between Morocco and the Polisario under UN and US auspices. Human Rights & Gdeim Izik: A rights statement says the UN Committee Against Torture found Moroccan authorities used torture and ill-treatment against Sahrawi detainees linked to Gdeim Izik, with confessions later used in convictions. Western Sahara Phosphates: A report says only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025—the lowest on record—while exports rose to about 2.02 million tonnes. Ireland’s Position: Ireland reiterated support for the UN-led process and MINURSO’s mandate extension, while warning against escalation after attacks near Smara. Morocco-Algeria Tensions: A Moroccan victims’ association urged Morocco to keep the 1975 expulsions humanitarian file central in any future dialogue with Algeria.

U.S.-France Diplomacy on Sahara: A senior U.S. adviser met France to coordinate on Libya, Sudan, and Western Sahara, stressing a peaceful, durable, mutually acceptable political resolution under UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Algeria’s UN Push: Algeria reaffirmed in Managua that Western Sahara remains on the UN decolonization agenda and that the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination must be upheld, rejecting Morocco’s claims during the UN Committee of 24 seminar. Morocco vs. C-24: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale said keeping the Sahara on the UN committee’s agenda is “anachronistic,” arguing the Security Council process—centered on Morocco’s autonomy plan—should lead. Ireland Backs UN Track: Ireland reiterated support for the UN-led political process and MINURSO’s extended mandate, while voicing concern about security developments near Smara. Human Rights Spotlight: Rights groups and lawyers renewed claims that torture and ill-treatment were used against Gdeim Izik detainees, citing UN Committee Against Torture decisions. Tourism Drive Sparks Legal Debate: Morocco’s Western Sahara tourism boom—fuelled by new European flights and rising arrivals—continues to draw criticism over international law and the commercial normalisation of the territory.

UN Sahara Process: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale told the C-24 seminar in Managua that keeping the Western Sahara file on the committee’s agenda is “anachronistic,” arguing the Security Council and Resolution 2797—anchored in Morocco’s autonomy plan—should drive the process. Ireland & Security Concerns: Ireland reaffirmed support for the UN-led political track and MINURSO’s mandate extension to October 2026, while warning about escalation fears after an attack near Smara claimed by the Polisario. Human Rights Pressure: A rights coalition says the UN Committee Against Torture found Morocco used torture and ill-treatment against Gdeim Izik detainees, with confessions later used in convictions. Regional Diplomacy: Algeria’s Ahmed Attaf said decolonization can’t be completed in Africa without Western Sahara, and reiterated support for direct Morocco–Polisario talks under UN and US auspices. Tourism Debate: Morocco’s push to grow Western Sahara tourism continues to draw legal and ethical criticism as arrivals rise and new European flight links expand access.

Human Rights Pressure: UN torture findings are again in the spotlight after Sahrawi and international rights groups condemned Morocco over alleged torture and ill-treatment of Gdeim Izik detainees, saying confessions were extracted and used in convictions. Diplomacy at UN Forums: The Sahrawi cause drew strong backing at the UN Special Committee on Decolonization seminar in Managua, with multiple states reiterating the right to self-determination and Polisario officials stressing the struggle against occupation. Ireland’s Stance: In Dublin’s parliament, Ireland reaffirmed support for the UN-led political process and MINURSO’s extended mandate, while also raising concerns about security developments near Smara. Algeria Signals Shift: Algeria’s Africa Day remarks pointed to direct Morocco-Polisario negotiations under UN and US auspices, framing any solution as must protect Sahrawi self-determination. Tourism Debate in the Desert: Morocco’s push to market Western Sahara is growing fast, with arrivals up over 50% since 2019, but critics warn the branding risks normalizing an occupation.

Diplomatic Shift in Algiers: Algeria’s foreign minister Ahmed Attaf says Algeria is yielding to international pressure and now backs direct talks between Morocco and the Polisario, framing any deal around Sahrawi self-determination under UN rules. UN Decolonization Push: In Managua, Polisario UN representative Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar told the UN C-24 forum that Sahrawis will not accept a “colonial fait accompli,” calling for an end to occupation and a UN-supervised referendum. Ireland Flags Security Concerns: Ireland reaffirmed support for the UN-led Sahara process and MINURSO’s extended mandate, while warning about security developments in Smara after an attack claimed by the Polisario. Human Rights Spotlight: Polisario and allies at an anti-fascist forum in Russia renewed calls to break the “wall of silence,” citing repression and rights abuses in occupied territories. Tourism Debate in Dakhla: Morocco’s tourism drive is boosting arrivals to Western Sahara by over 50% since 2019, with new European flight routes—while critics warn the marketing risks legitimizing occupation. Bolton Rejects Terror Label: Former US national security adviser John Bolton dismissed moves to brand the Polisario a terrorist group, saying he has seen no terrorism links.

Abraham Accords Pressure: As the US and Iran try to settle their war, Trump is pushing a new demand: Middle East countries must sign on to the Abraham Accords with Israel, a move critics call a “wrong move at the wrong time” amid deep regional distrust. Sahara Diplomacy: At the UN’s Decolonization forum in Managua, POLISARIO’s UN representative renewed the call for an end to Morocco’s occupation and a UN-supervised self-determination referendum, while Ireland reiterated support for the UN-led process and MINURSO’s mandate extension. International Voices: In Russia, POLISARIO and allied parties repeated the same message, and Algeria’s diplomats again argued decolonization in Africa is incomplete without Western Sahara. Tourism Debate: Morocco continues to market Western Sahara to visitors as arrivals rise, but rights groups warn the branding risks legitimising the dispute.