AGP Executive Report

AU Conflict Prevention: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali urged African leaders in Luanda to move from “silencing the guns” to building an African system that tackles the root causes of conflict, stressing decolonization, self-determination and rejection of occupation. Peace Mechanisms: He called for activating existing AU tools, strengthening early warning and civilian protection, and improving follow-up on AU decisions—while keeping the AU’s central role alongside the UN. Sahrawi Proposals: The Sahrawi Republic presented practical measures at the 21st AU extraordinary summit, including a stronger preventive role for the Peace and Security Council and tighter AU-UN coordination. Ceuta Pressure & Western Sahara: Spain’s Polisario representation says Orange will withdraw an ad billboard that mapped Western Sahara as Moroccan territory, after a formal complaint. Diplomatic Shifts: Reports say Polisario’s bid for a permanent presence in Nouakchott has stalled, despite Mauritania’s continued contacts with both sides. Latin America: A Colombian congressman condemned what he called an illegitimate position on occupied Western Sahara, while coverage highlights growing Latin American recognition shifts toward Morocco.

Ceuta Border Fallout: Spain is still reeling after the July 30 mass entry of tens of thousands from Morocco into Ceuta, with Madrid saying it was not Rabat’s doing and pointing instead to social-media manipulation—while Spain’s interior minister admitted no intelligence warning was sent from Ceuta’s services before the surge. Cartography & Media Pressure: Orange said it will withdraw an AP-7 billboard after Polisario protested a map showing Western Sahara as Moroccan territory. Diplomatic Moves: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali arrived in Luanda to attend the AU’s 21st Extraordinary Session, focused on conflict prevention and resolution. Western Sahara Legal Spotlight: International media highlighted the UN view of Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory and warned against Morocco’s “fait accompli” through investment and tourism. Humanitarian Solidarity: “Vacaciones en Paz” hosting for Sahrawi children wrapped up in Gran Canaria with municipal receptions and renewed calls to keep supporting the Sahrawi cause. Polisario in Mauritania: Nouakchott confirmed renewed Polisario contacts but said it will not change its “positive neutrality,” including after Polisario sought permission for a permanent presence.

AU Diplomacy: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali arrived in Luanda to attend the AU’s 21st Extraordinary Session on conflict prevention, with the summit set to discuss ways to strengthen African mechanisms for peace and resolution. Ceuta Border Fallout: Spain and Morocco remain locked in a blame game after tens of thousands of migrants surged into Ceuta in late July, with Madrid citing “human trafficking” and “foreign interference” claims while new reporting and leaks keep raising questions about who enabled the crisis. Cartography Protest: Spain-based telecom Orange said it will withdraw a billboard map that depicted Western Sahara as part of Morocco after Polisario’s complaint, though the Front says it will stay vigilant until removal or a compliant replacement. International Spotlight on Decolonization: British and US media highlighted Western Sahara’s UN status as a Non-Self-Governing Territory and criticized Rabat’s push to normalize “fait accompli” through investment and tourism. Sahrawi Community in the Canaries: The “Vacaciones en Paz” summer hosting program for Sahrawi children wrapped up in Gran Canaria with municipal receptions and renewed calls to keep supporting the Sahrawi cause.

Ceuta Border Crisis: Spain says it has no proof Morocco orchestrated the late-July mass entry into Ceuta, pointing instead to foreign social-media interference, while the humanitarian fallout continues after tens of thousands crossed and hundreds were reported dead or injured. Security & Accountability: Spain’s interior minister admitted Ceuta-based intelligence staff failed to warn of the surge, and new claims from the hacker group Jabaroot allege leaks tied to Morocco’s security services and possible planning around the crisis. Diplomacy on the Enclaves: Spain’s foreign ministry says talks with Morocco’s Bourita happen daily as Madrid rejects Rabat’s renewed claims over Ceuta and Melilla. Western Sahara Rights at Home: Polisario in Spain pressed Orange to remove a billboard map showing Western Sahara as Moroccan territory; the company says it will withdraw it. Sahrawi Solidarity in the Canaries: “Vacaciones en Paz” concluded in Gran Canaria with municipal receptions for Sahrawi children, renewing calls to keep supporting the Sahrawi cause. Regional Message: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali sent condolences to Algeria over wildfire victims.

Ceuta Crisis: Spain says Morocco is not behind the July 30 mass entry into Ceuta, but the humanitarian toll is stark: tens of thousands crossed in days, bodies were recovered, and Madrid now faces questions over why warnings weren’t acted on. Border Tensions: Spain’s interior minister admitted Ceuta-based intelligence staff did not foresee the surge, while reports point to social-media mobilization and wider “hybrid war” accusations. Sahrawi Cause in Spain: Polisario says Orange will withdraw an AP-7 billboard that mapped Western Sahara as Moroccan territory, after a formal complaint. Humanitarian Solidarity: “Vacaciones en Paz” concluded in Gran Canaria with municipal receptions for Sahrawi children, renewing calls to keep supporting the Sahrawi people. Polisario Internal Politics: Brahim Ghali received newly elected UESARIO leadership, urging students to integrate into Sahrawi state institutions.

Ceuta Border Crisis: Spain says its intelligence in Ceuta failed to warn about the July 30 mass incursion, with Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska insisting no service foresaw the scale of the breach. Ceuta-Morocco Tensions: A new incident adds to the simmering fallout: 12 Moroccans were arrested after stoning Spanish soldiers near Benzú, raising questions about whether it was spontaneous or part of Rabat’s “hybrid war.” Cyberwar Around Ceuta: The hacker group Jabaroot claims a leak involving about 70,000 Moroccan security personnel, linking the material to the Ceuta crisis and accusing senior figures of planning migratory pressure. Western Sahara Rights at Home: Orange announced it will withdraw an ad billboard in Spain after Polisario protested a map depicting Western Sahara as Moroccan territory. International Spotlight on Decolonization: International media highlighted Western Sahara as a UN-listed non-self-governing territory, warning against Morocco’s “fait accompli” through investment and tourism. Polisario Internal Politics: Polisario leadership is struggling to appoint a chair for preparations tied to its 17th Congress, with analysts pointing to paralysis and the political cost of taking charge. Sahrawi Solidarity in the Canaries: The “Vacaciones en Paz” reception programme for Sahrawi children concluded in Gran Canaria, with local officials and Polisario representatives taking part.

Orange vs Polisario protest: After a Polisario complaint, telecom giant Orange said it will withdraw an ad billboard on Spain’s AP-7 motorway that showed Western Sahara as part of Morocco, with Polisario saying it will keep watching until the map is removed or replaced. International spotlight on decolonization: Media coverage renewed focus on Western Sahara as a UN-listed non-self-governing territory, pointing to Morocco’s “fait accompli” approach through investment and tourism in places like Dakhla. Ceuta fallout spills into Sahara debate: Spain’s government denied Morocco’s role in the July Ceuta mass entry, while other reports and leaks tied to the crisis kept fueling wider political pressure across the region. Sahrawi youth diplomacy: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali received newly elected UESARIO student leadership, urging young people to take roles in Sahrawi state institutions. Canary Islands solidarity: The “Vacaciones en Paz” reception for Sahrawi children wrapped up on Gran Canaria, with local officials and families hosting and reaffirming support for the Sahrawi cause.

Ceuta Crisis and Ceuta-Melilla Tensions: Spain’s interior ministry says no intelligence warnings were sent before the July 30 migrant surge that overwhelmed Ceuta’s borders, while Moroccan security-linked hackers claim a new leak tied to the crisis. Cyberwar in the Spotlight: The Jabaroot group says it published data on around 70,000 Moroccan security agents and accuses senior officials of planning migratory pressure, though details are contested. Polisario Leadership and Youth: Brahim Ghali met newly elected UESARIO leadership, urging students to take roles in Sahrawi state institutions. Western Sahara Cartography Dispute: Polisario denounced Orange for an ad billboard showing Western Sahara as Moroccan territory, calling it a violation of international law and EU rulings. International Solidarity: European and Australian groups renewed calls for UN action to enforce self-determination for Sahrawis, while indigenous peoples’ leaders in Mexico reaffirmed support for the Sahrawi cause. Spain-Morocco Diplomacy: Spain says Foreign Minister Albares speaks daily with Morocco’s Bourita as Madrid seeks dialogue over Ceuta and Melilla. Canary Islands “Vacaciones en Paz”: Reception events for Sahrawi children concluded on Gran Canaria, with local officials and families backing the programme.

Sahrawi Solidarity in Spain: The “Vacaciones en Paz” reception programme for Sahrawi children wrapped up on Gran Canaria, with ceremonies in Telde, Teror, Santa Brígida and Santa Lucía and participation from Polisario representatives and Canarian families, renewing calls to keep supporting the Sahrawi cause. Ceuta Crisis Diplomacy: Spain says Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares speaks “daily” with Morocco’s Nasser Bourita over Ceuta and Melilla, insisting both are Spanish cities and EU territory. Cyber War Around Ceuta: Reports focus on the hacker group Jabaroot, including a prior 2025 leak tied to Morocco’s social security and new claims linking Moroccan security services to the Ceuta incursion. Western Sahara Rights at UN Level: European and Australian groups renewed calls for UN action to enforce international law and enable Sahrawis’ self-determination, warning against any “false colonial reality.” Student Movement: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali met newly elected UESARIO leadership, urging youth to strengthen Sahrawi state institutions.

Ceuta Crisis & Cyberwar: Former Spanish PM José María Aznar is set to return to Ceuta on Aug. 27, 24 years after the Perejil islet standoff, as the July border and migration shock continues to strain Spain–Morocco ties. Digital Leak Fallout: The hacker group Jabaroot is back in the spotlight after claiming it published data on Morocco’s security personnel linked to the Ceuta crisis, reviving questions about who planned and enabled the mass entry. Local Governance & Accountability: Spain’s interior ministry says Ceuta-based intelligence failed to warn about the migrant surge on July 30, despite later claims that agents shared and analyzed online signals. Western Sahara Rights & Law: Polisario leaders denounced Orange for advertising that depicts Western Sahara as part of Morocco, calling it a clear breach of international law and EU rulings. International Solidarity: European and Australian groups renewed calls for UN action to enforce self-determination for Sahrawis, while a Sahrawi student leadership handover highlighted youth engagement in the national state project. Media Ethics: A Spanish press body complaint targets TV coverage that aired unchallenged calls for Morocco’s “political and economic destruction,” arguing the guest was presented as an “expert” despite partisan ties.

Student Politics in the Sahrawi State: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali received the newly elected UESARIO leadership, urging students to plug into Sahrawi institutions and take on responsibilities for the national project. Western Sahara Rights vs. Corporate Cartography: In Spain, Polisario’s representative in Spain, Abdulah Arabi, denounced Orange’s billboard map showing Western Sahara as part of Morocco, calling it a clear breach of international law and EU rulings. UN Call for Self-Determination: European and Australian groups renewed demands for urgent UN action to enforce international law in Western Sahara and hold a self-determination referendum under UN auspices. International Solidarity: A Sahrawi delegation took part in Mexico’s Third World Summit of Indigenous Peoples, reaffirming support for the Sahrawi cause and self-determination. Ceuta Crisis Fallout: Spain admitted its Ceuta-based intelligence failed to warn about the July migrant surge, while hackers claimed a major leak of Moroccan security personnel tied to the crisis. Media Ethics Under Fire: Spain’s press ethics body is probing a TV debate where a Polisario-linked figure was allowed to call for Morocco’s “political and economic destruction” without challenge.

UN diplomacy: António Guterres warns that superpowers’ limits are being exposed by the US-Iran stalemate and Russia’s Ukraine war, urging the UN to adapt to a riskier multipolar order. Ceuta crisis & cyber claims: A hacker group says it leaked data on about 70,000 Moroccan security agents, alleging planning around the July 30 Ceuta mass entry—raising fresh pressure on Spain-Morocco narratives. Western Sahara & EU stance: Brussels rejects calls for an independent Sahara probe, reiterating support for UN-led negotiations and backing EU-Morocco partnership talks even as the dispute remains unresolved. Migration funding after Ceuta: EU officials say Morocco could get more funding for border and migration management after the Ceuta crisis, with Rabat still denying it encouraged crossings. Sahrawi rights & activism: Sahrawi human rights voices in Boumerdes warn of escalating repression in occupied Western Sahara, while Polisario-linked training programs and solidarity groups reaffirm self-determination. Latin America shifts: Colombia’s lawmakers condemn recognition of Morocco’s Western Sahara occupation, while other regional moves show growing distance from the Polisario line.

UK Travel Warnings: The UK Foreign Office updated “do not travel” guidance for 36 countries, warning that ignoring advice can void insurance and make consular help harder. Ceuta/Morocco Tensions: Spanish and international debate over the July Ceuta crossings keeps escalating, with fresh reporting on how Morocco’s leverage over Europe’s borders is reshaping security politics. EU Funding for Migration: Brussels is preparing to finalize a wider strategic partnership with Morocco by year-end, with Ceuta’s crisis pushing more money toward border control and migration management. Western Sahara Diplomacy: Brussels rejected calls for an independent Sahara probe and reaffirmed support for the UN-led process, while UN-linked rights reporting again condemned alleged abuses against Sahrawi human rights defender Abdelmoula El Hafidi. Solidarity Moves: A Sahrawi delegation took part in Algeria’s Culture of Resistance forum, and Indigenous Peoples in Mexico reaffirmed solidarity with the Sahrawi cause and self-determination. Children Return: Sahrawi children came back from Italy after the “Vacaciones en Paz” summer programme.

EU-Morocco leverage after Ceuta: A new analysis says Europe’s reliance on Morocco for migration and security gives Rabat dangerous leverage, with Ceuta’s late-July surge again fueling Madrid–Rabat tensions and calls for negotiations ahead of a major UN Sahara meeting. EU funding push: Brussels is preparing a strategic partnership with Morocco that could expand border-control and migration-management funding after the Ceuta crisis, while the Western Sahara dispute still blocks full resolution. Western Sahara diplomacy at UN level: Brussels rejected an EU probe demand tied to Polisario-linked claims, reiterating support for the UN-led process and Security Council Resolution 2797. Sahrawi rights and escalation warnings: Sahrawi activists and students in Algeria denounced “major escalation” and systematic violations in Morocco-occupied Western Sahara, while ATUO and other solidarity groups renewed support for self-determination. International solidarity moves: A Sahrawi delegation joined an Indigenous Peoples summit in Mexico reaffirming solidarity with the Sahrawi cause, and Colombia’s lawmakers condemned its government’s recognition of Moroccan occupation. Ceuta disinformation fight: Spanish fact-checkers documented a wave of false and decontextualized content around Ceuta crossings, including material amplified through Moscow-linked networks. Morocco–Spain ties: Trade data shows Spain–Morocco commerce hit about €22.757bn in 2025, underscoring how economic ties persist alongside political friction. Youth Day diplomacy: US and France sent congratulations to King Mohammed VI on Youth Day, both backing Morocco’s territorial integrity stance. Sahrawi children return: Children from the “Vacaciones en Paz” programme returned from Italy to Sahrawi refugee camps, coordinated by Polisario-linked partners.

Western Sahara Dispute: A BBC report spotlights Dakhla’s “hidden gem” tourism push while reminding readers it sits inside one of the world’s longest territorial disputes, with Morocco administering most of the territory and UN talks repeatedly stalling. Sahrawi Children Return: Sahrawi children came back to the refugee camps after “Vacaciones en Paz 2026,” hosted in Italy through Polisario-linked solidarity networks and Italian families. Polisario Under Pressure: A new analysis argues the Polisario is losing momentum as a generational shift leaves fewer leaders able to renew strategy and media outreach. Spain Media Ethics Row: Spain’s Madrid Press Association filed a complaint after a Cuatro debate aired unchallenged calls for the “political and economic destruction” of Morocco, raising hate-speech and journalistic ethics concerns. EU-Morocco Migration Deal: After the Ceuta crisis, Brussels is set to expand EU funding for Morocco’s border control and migration management, even as the Western Sahara dispute remains unresolved. Global Solidarity: The World Summit of Indigenous Peoples in Mexico reaffirmed solidarity with the Sahrawi people and their self-determination cause. Latin America Shift: Colombia’s lawmakers condemned its government’s recognition of Morocco’s occupation, while broader regional realignment is said to be moving several Latin American states closer to Rabat. Occupied Western Sahara Rights: Sahrawi activists and students in Algeria warn of escalating repression against civilians in Morocco-administered areas.

Sahrawi Solidarity & UN Rights: The Third World Summit of Indigenous Peoples in Morelos, Mexico, reaffirmed solidarity with the Sahrawi people and their right to self-determination, citing UN Resolution 1514 and court rulings, and handed appreciation certificates linked to Polisario leadership. Human Rights Alarm: Sahrawi activists and students in Boumerdes warned of escalating “systematic” violations in occupied Western Sahara, while the UN Committee against Torture said Morocco violated the Convention against Torture in the case of Sahrawi defender Abdelmoula El Hafidi over degrading detention conditions. EU–Morocco Standoff Over Sahara: Brussels rejected a push by far-left and green MEPs for an independent escalation probe tied to alleged drone attacks, instead backing UN-led negotiations and Resolution 2797. Migration Fallout in Ceuta: After the July Ceuta crossings and deaths, the EU is preparing to expand funding for Morocco’s border control and migration management, even as Rabat denies any role in encouraging crossings. Regional Diplomacy: Morocco marked Youth Day with international congratulations, while a Sahrawi delegation took part in Algeria’s Culture of Resistance forum and the 14th Summer University concluded with renewed calls for self-determination.