AGP Executive Report

Spanish Citizenship Push: Spain’s Congress cleared a close committee vote to move toward granting citizenship to Sahrawis from Western Sahara, with a 19–17 result that frames it as settling a “historic debt” while immigration politics stay highly charged. Sahrawi Education & Institutions: A NEPAD delegation visited Sahrawi institutions, touring public healthcare and the University of Tifariti, and hearing how education and institution-building are sustained despite refugee-life constraints. Prisoner Release Demand: Italian MPs urged Italy to press for the release of Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari and others, citing his hunger strike since June 8 and detention conditions. Diplomatic Signals in Laayoune: France’s new ambassador to Morocco visited Laayoune, stressing Paris’ support for Morocco’s autonomy plan and pledging development and investment cooperation. UN Rights Pressure: Sahrawi lawyer Mohamed Hali told the UN Human Rights Council that Moroccan authorities use the judiciary to retaliate against human rights defenders, while Aminatou Haidar warned that AI and digital tools are being used to intensify surveillance and targeting of Sahrawi women defenders. POLISARIO on Rights: A POLISARIO UN representative said no occupying state or foreign country can take away Sahrawis’ rights or decide their destiny.

Women’s Rights Under Occupation: Aminatou Haidar told the UN Human Rights Council that Morocco’s fast push into AI and digital tools risks boosting surveillance, discrimination, and exclusion of Sahrawi women human rights defenders. Judicial Retaliation: A Sahrawi lawyer, Dr. Mohamed Hali, said Moroccan occupation authorities use the judiciary to punish and silence activists, calling it a breach of judicial independence standards. POLISARIO at the UN: Frente POLISARIO UN representative Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar stressed that no occupying or foreign power can strip Sahrawis of their rights, pointing to UN-led talks and Security Council Resolution 2797 discussions. Culture & Identity After Conflict: A new reflection on “Political Memory of the Sahara” argues that legitimacy and social cohesion can’t be reduced to Cold War-era armed politics, and looks at how community institutions could matter in any future autonomy. Global Context (Fertility Divide): A demographic story notes a widening fertility gap worldwide, with knock-on effects for aging, labor, and migration—relevant to how societies plan for the future.

Fertility Divide: A new global demographic snapshot shows some countries far above the 2.1 replacement rate while others fall below it, with knock-on effects for aging, jobs, and migration. UN Rights Message: Frente POLISARIO UN representative Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar said neither Morocco nor any foreign state can take away Sahrawi rights or decide Sahrawi destiny, pointing to UN-led steps after Security Council Resolution 2797. Judiciary Retaliation: In Geneva, Sahrawi lawyer Dr. Mohamed Hali warned that Moroccan authorities keep using the courts to retaliate against human rights defenders, calling it a systematic attempt to silence activism. AI and Women’s Rights: Aminatou Haidar told the UN Human Rights Council that AI and digital tools are being used to intensify surveillance and discrimination against Sahrawi women defenders, including harassment and restrictions on expression. Sahara’s Social Memory: A cultural-political reflection argues that any future autonomy for the Sahara must draw on historical legitimacy, tribal balance, and community mediation—not just the rise of a modern political-military group.

POLISARIO at the UN: Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar said Morocco and any foreign state cannot “trade” Sahrawi rights or decide Sahrawi destiny, pointing to UN-led talks and Security Council Resolution 2797 as a process that has only just begun. Judicial retaliation: In Geneva, Sahrawi lawyer Dr. Mohamed Hali told the Human Rights Council that Moroccan authorities keep using the courts to retaliate against human rights defenders, violating standards on judicial independence and protection for activists. AI and women’s rights: Aminatou Haidar warned that AI and digital tools are being used to intensify surveillance, discrimination, and exclusion of Sahrawi women human rights defenders, with harassment and restrictions on expression and association. Culture & identity debate: A new reflection on “Political Memory of the Sahara” revisits tribe, legitimacy, and national unity, arguing that Sahrawi social institutions and moral authority matter beyond today’s political-military framing.

Judicial Retaliation in Geneva: Sahrawi lawyer Dr. Mohamed Hali told the UN Human Rights Council that Moroccan occupation authorities keep using the courts to punish and silence Sahrawi human rights defenders, calling it a direct attack on judicial independence and legal practice. AI and Women’s Rights: Aminatou Haidar, head of ISACOM, warned that Morocco’s growing use of digital tools and artificial intelligence is becoming a new way to surveil, harass, and restrict Sahrawi women human rights defenders, including limits on expression and association. Cultural Memory & Future Governance: A new reflection on “Political Memory of the Sahara” looks beyond the 1970s and argues that tribal balances, recognized authorities, and community mediation should shape any future autonomy framework. Sports, Politics, and Western Sahara: A World Cup-related piece notes Julius Malema’s call for unity while also flagging his stance against Morocco over its occupation of Western Sahara. AI Debate in Morocco: The ELI Morocco Forum 2026 sparked debate after a keynote challenged the uncritical adoption of AI, warning it can make societies “dumber” when misused.

Judicial Retaliation in Western Sahara: Sahrawi lawyer Dr. Mohamed Hali told the UN Human Rights Council that Moroccan occupation authorities keep using the judiciary to punish Sahrawi human rights defenders and activists, calling it a direct attack on judicial independence and the right to practice law. AI and Gendered Surveillance: ISACOM president Aminatou Haidar warned that Morocco’s growing use of digital tools and artificial intelligence is becoming a new way to surveil, harass, and silence Sahrawi women human rights defenders, restricting their expression and organizing. Culture, Identity, and Legitimacy: A reflective piece on “Political Memory of the Sahara” revisits how tribes, recognized authorities, and social cohesion shaped legitimacy long before armed politics, arguing the future must consider the Sahara’s social institutions, not just legal formulas. Sport, Politics, and Morocco: A World Cup-focused report on FIFA chief Gianni Infantino highlights how geopolitics keeps following football—relevant for Western Sahara audiences watching Morocco’s international visibility. Regional Power and Militarization: Another report notes Morocco’s role in a Gaza stabilization force, adding to the wider picture of how Rabat’s international moves intersect with regional security narratives.

Judicial Retaliation in Western Sahara: Sahrawi lawyer Dr. Mohamed Hali told the UN Human Rights Council that Moroccan occupation authorities keep using the judiciary to punish Sahrawi human rights defenders and activists, violating standards on judicial independence and protection for rights advocates. AI and Gendered Surveillance: Aminatou Haidar, head of ISACOM, warned at the UN that AI and digital tools are being used to intensify surveillance, harassment, and restrictions targeting Sahrawi women human rights defenders. Terrorism Label Debate in Spain: A forum in Spain’s Canary Islands has renewed calls to reassess Polisario’s status, with victims’ groups urging stronger accountability for attacks attributed to the movement. Culture, Identity, and Sport Politics: FIFA’s World Cup approach is again under scrutiny, with reports of geopolitics shaping visas and participation, and criticism over censorship of anti-colonial symbols. Regional Security and Arms Talk: Spanish lawmakers raised concerns about potential Moroccan use of Israeli-designed SpyX drones, highlighting how defense cooperation is reshaping regional power dynamics.

Judicial Retaliation in Western Sahara: Sahrawi lawyer Dr. Mohamed Hali told the UN Human Rights Council that Moroccan occupation authorities keep using the judiciary to punish and silence Sahrawi human rights defenders, violating standards on judicial independence and protection for activists. Digital Surveillance Fears for Women Defenders: Aminatou Haidar, head of ISACOM, warned that AI and digital tools are being used to intensify surveillance, harassment, and restrictions on Sahrawi women human rights defenders. Terrorism Label Debate in Spain: A forum in Spain’s Canary Islands renewed calls to reassess Polisario’s status as terrorist, with victims’ groups urging accountability for attacks attributed to the movement. Sport, Politics, and Morocco: Commentary around FIFA’s Gianni Infantino and World Cup geopolitics highlights criticism of tournament deals and human-rights concerns tied to Morocco, while separate coverage notes how Morocco’s role is discussed even in regional sport talk. Memory, Identity, and Censorship: A FIFA-related piece argues the World Cup still reflects politics, pointing to cases where anti-colonial symbols were targeted while other issues were ignored.

Women’s Rights Under Occupation: Sahrawi human rights defender Aminatou Haidar told the UN Human Rights Council that Morocco’s rapid push into AI and digital tools is being used to intensify surveillance, harassment, and restrictions targeting Sahrawi women defenders in Western Sahara. Cultural Memory & Future Governance: A new reflection on “Political Memory of the Sahara” argues that Sahrawi legitimacy and social cohesion can’t be reduced to Polisario’s 1970s emergence, and asks how traditional authorities and “chiujs” could help anchor any future autonomy framework. Sport, Politics, and Representation: Analysis of FIFA chief Gianni Infantino highlights how geopolitics keeps shaping football—criticisms include deals and tournament choices tied to controversial rights records, alongside calls for stronger consistency on Israel-related issues. Spain Debate Heats Up: In Spain’s Canary Islands, calls are growing to classify Polisario as terrorist after a forum revived memories of attacks attributed to the movement, with victims’ groups pressing for clearer accountability. AI Literacy Warning: At the ELI Morocco Forum 2026, Guillermo Taboada warned against “Slow AI” and the “cognitive debt” caused by uncritical AI use, urging better literacy and governance.

Women’s Rights Under Occupation: Aminatou Haidar told the UN Human Rights Council that Morocco’s rapid push into AI and digital tools is being used to intensify surveillance, discrimination, and reprisals against Sahrawi women human rights defenders, including harassment and restrictions on expression and association. Sahrawi Political Memory & Future Governance: A new reflection on “Political Memory of the Sahara” argues the Sahara’s legitimacy and social cohesion can’t be reduced to the rise of Polisario in the Cold War era, and looks ahead to what community authorities like the chiujs and notables could mean for any future autonomy framework. Culture & Debate in the Diaspora: A cancelled book fair event on “Sahara: Heritage, Identity, and Paths to Development” sparked backlash over claims of “whitewashing,” with critics saying the dispute is being used to shut down pluralism rather than debate content. Global Rights Pressure: Front Line Defenders reported at least 358 killings of human rights defenders across 28 countries in 2025, highlighting shrinking resources and rising repression for activists worldwide.

Sahrawi Institutions & Autonomy: A new reflection argues the Sahara’s legitimacy can’t be reduced to the Polisario’s 1973 emergence, stressing earlier tribal balances, mediation roles, and moral authority structures like the chiujs and Sahrawi notables—now framed as potential pillars for a future autonomy that needs social and institutional roots, not just a legal formula. Polisario Under Scrutiny in Spain: A terrorism forum in Spain’s Canary Islands has renewed calls to reassess Polisario’s status, with victims’ groups and activists urging greater accountability for attacks attributed to the movement after Spain’s withdrawal, including kidnappings and assaults affecting Canary Islands fishing vessels. Culture & Debate at Spain’s Book Fair: A canceled event on “Sahara: Heritage, Identity, and Paths to Development” is criticized as a sign of how pluralism is treated as conditional—where disagreement is labeled “whitewash” instead of debated on content, including topics like gender, Hassani dance, and education. Human Rights Pressure: Front Line Defenders reports at least 358 killings of human rights defenders across 28 countries in 2025, highlighting shrinking resources and rising repression for activists working on land, Indigenous rights, and conflict-related abuses.

World Cup & geopolitics: FIFA’s World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada is unfolding amid visa bans, deportations, and travel disruptions—showing how politics still shapes who gets to compete and represent themselves. AI & public thinking: At the ELI Morocco Forum 2026 in Tangier, economist Guillermo Taboada challenged “uncritical” AI use, warning that misuse can make societies “dumber” and calling for AI literacy and governance. Polisario terrorism debate in Spain: A forum in Spain’s Canary Islands has renewed calls to reassess Polisario’s status, with victims’ groups pushing for clearer accountability over attacks they link to the movement. Defense rivalry echoes into the Sahara region: Spanish lawmakers questioned Madrid’s readiness for a possible Moroccan strike using Israeli-designed SpyX drones—while analysis highlights Morocco’s defense modernization versus Algeria’s steep military spending. Human rights defenders under pressure: A new report by Front Line Defenders says at least 358 defenders were killed across 28 countries in 2025, as activists face shrinking support and rising repression.

AI & Literacy: At the ELI Morocco Forum 2026 in Tangier, economist Guillermo Taboada warned that “misuse of AI” is creating “cognitive debt,” pushing leaders to stop autopilot thinking and demand better AI governance. Parliamentary Diplomacy: A Sahrawi parliamentary delegation began a working visit to Switzerland (Locarno and Bern), meeting Swiss officials and partners to raise awareness of the Sahrawi national cause and ongoing human rights violations in occupied Western Sahara. Human Rights at the UN: In Geneva, NOVACT and ACAPS reaffirmed support for Sahrawi human rights defenders during the launch of the “Western Sahara: A Year in Review, 2025 Annual Human Rights Report,” while Catherine Constantinides urged real accountability beyond documentation. Repression & Access: Speakers at the same UN events described intensifying repression, land confiscations, and restrictions on civic freedoms, warning that the lack of independent monitoring and bans on access leave the true scale of abuses far higher than recorded. Culture & Debate: A Western Sahara-linked book fair event was canceled amid claims of “whitewashing,” reigniting arguments over pluralism, heritage, and how the Sahara’s identity and development are discussed publicly.

Human Rights at the UN: At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Sahrawi and international advocates launched the “Western Sahara: A Year in Review, 2025 Annual Human Rights Report,” urging action beyond documentation as speakers warned of intimidation, surveillance, arbitrary detention and reprisals against activists and journalists. Solidarity Groups Reaffirm Support: NOVACT and ACAPS said Morocco’s occupation depends on blocking scrutiny and preserving its image, calling for greater international solidarity with Sahrawi human rights defenders. Accountability Call from Catherine Constantinides: South African defender Catherine Constantinides framed the report as “bearing witness,” stressing that restrictions on freedoms and the lack of accountability undermine the credibility of the international system. Escalating Repression Details: Other speakers highlighted an information blockade, land grabs tied to “green energy,” and deadly drone strikes, with researchers noting nearly 170 violations documented in 2025 and warning the real toll is higher. Parliamentary Diplomacy: A Sahrawi parliamentary delegation began a working visit to Switzerland (Locarno and Bern), meeting Swiss officials and partners to raise awareness of the national cause and ongoing human rights violations in occupied territories.

Human Rights Diplomacy in Geneva: NOVACT and ACAPS reaffirmed support for Sahrawi human rights defenders at a UN Human Rights Council side event launching the “Western Sahara: A Year in Review, 2025 Annual Human Rights Report,” with speakers warning that Morocco’s occupation depends on an information blockade and that reports must lead to accountability. Accountability Call: Catherine Constantinides urged the international community to move beyond documenting abuses and act against restrictions on expression, assembly, and political participation, while Yaguta El-Mokhtar said the gap is political will, not legal norms. Documented Violations: Researcher Hayat Said confirmed the report documents nearly 170 violations in 2025, warning the real toll is higher due to bans on independent monitoring and expulsion of observers. On-the-ground Risks: Mahfud Bechri denounced illegal land grabs tied to “green energy,” drone strikes, and intimidation tactics, including expelling international observers since 2014. Parliamentary Outreach: A Sahrawi delegation visited Switzerland (Locarno and Bern) to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and raise awareness of ongoing human rights violations in occupied Western Sahara. Cultural Debate at Book Fair: A canceled event on “Sahara: Heritage, Identity, and Paths to Development” sparked claims of censorship and “whitewash” accusations, with critics saying debate is shut down when alternative views appear.

Human Rights at the UN in Geneva: Sahrawi and international advocates used UN Human Rights Council side events to press for action, not just reports, on abuses in occupied Western Sahara, warning of an “information blockade,” restrictions on freedoms, and growing risks for defenders. New Annual Report Focus: Researchers and speakers said the 2025 “Western Sahara: A Year in Review” report documents nearly 170 violations, while stressing the real toll is higher due to bans on access and lack of an independent monitoring mechanism. Calls for Accountability: Catherine Constantinides urged concrete steps to end impunity, as NOVACT and ACAPS reaffirmed support for Sahrawi human rights defenders and highlighted how Morocco’s occupation relies on concealment. Parliamentary Diplomacy: A Sahrawi parliamentary delegation visited Switzerland (Locarno and Bern) to strengthen ties and raise awareness of the national cause and ongoing rights violations. Civil Society Pressure: NOVACT also highlighted alleged drone strikes, greenwashing, and media restrictions, as activists called for greater international solidarity. Culture & Identity Debate: A Sahara-related book fair event was canceled amid claims of “whitewashing,” reigniting arguments over pluralism and how Western Sahara history is discussed. Independence Advocacy: Ecosocialism 2026 announced speakers including a Western Sahara independence advocate, keeping decolonisation and liberation on the cultural agenda.