AGP Executive Report

Surveillance & repression: Amnesty International reports Morocco’s occupation authorities are continuing arrests, restrictions and dispersals of peaceful Sahrawi protests in occupied cities like El Aaiun, alongside smear campaigns and judicial harassment that create a “chilling effect” for activists and their families. Pegasus targeting: Amnesty also says technical links tie Moroccan authorities to Pegasus spyware use against Sahrawi human rights defenders and figures linked to the Western Sahara cause, with targeting documented from 2017–2021 and possible continued use. Broader spyware system: A separate Amnesty briefing describes a wider surveillance machine—interception, tracking, covert recording and data access—used to fabricate charges and silence civil society. UN rights push: Sahrawi defenders El Ghalia Djimi and Hamdi Mhamedou urged the UN Human Rights Council to end discrimination, ensure independent monitoring in Western Sahara, implement Durban commitments, and release political prisoners, including Gdeim Izik detainees on hunger strike. Culture & activism spotlight: At the Zurich Film Festival, Greta Thunberg backed the documentary “My Home of Wind and Sand,” calling out international “hypocrisy” and urging concrete action for Sahrawi self-determination. Solidarity on the ground: In France, Sahrawi diaspora groups held rallies and cultural events supporting the Gdeim Izik prisoners and demanding transfers closer to Western Sahara.

UN Rights Council Appeals: Sahrawi activists El Ghalia Djimi and Hamdi Mhamedou urged the UN Human Rights Council to end discrimination in occupied Western Sahara, apply the Durban Declaration and Geneva Conventions, and grant independent, sustained international monitoring access, while calling for the immediate release of Sahrawi political prisoners amid concerns over hunger strikes by Gdeim Izik detainees. Decolonisation Support: Vietnam reaffirmed its backing for self-determination and the decolonisation process for the 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories at a UN General Assembly debate, stressing that administering powers must provide up-to-date information and that resource exploitation must not harm people’s interests. Spyware Exposé: Amnesty International released a report alleging Morocco’s long-running spyware campaign against civil society, including Sahrawi activists, describing surveillance tools used to target, silence, and smear human rights defenders. Diaspora Solidarity: Sahrawi groups in France held rallies and cultural events supporting Gdeim Izik prisoners and demanding transfers closer to Western Sahara. Global Activism & Culture: Greta Thunberg backed the Zurich Film Festival premiere of “My Home of Wind and Sand,” calling out international “hypocrisy” and urging concrete action for the Sahrawi cause. Education & Development: Dakhla launched a new engineering school of advanced technologies (ENTA) to expand training and applied research in Morocco’s southern regions.

UN Human Rights Council: Sahrawi activists El Ghalia Djimi and Hamdi Mhamedou urged the UN to end discrimination in occupied Western Sahara, apply the Durban Declaration and Geneva Conventions, and grant independent, sustained international monitoring access. Digital Rights & Surveillance: Amnesty International released findings on Morocco’s spyware campaign against civil society, saying surveillance tools were used to silence activists and fabricate charges. Prisoners & Hunger Strike: Sahrawi defenders and the diaspora in France renewed calls for the immediate release of Gdeim Izik prisoners on hunger strike and for transfers closer to families in Western Sahara. Solidarity & Boycotts: Nigeria’s ASUU pledged continued solidarity with the Sahrawi cause, including a boycott of goods tied to Western Sahara resources without Sahrawi consent. Culture & Activism in Zurich: Greta Thunberg backed the Zurich Film Festival premiere of “My Home of Wind and Sand,” calling out international “hypocrisy” and urging concrete action for Sahrawi rights. Humanitarian Spotlight: UNHCR chief Barham Salih warned that the Tindouf camps’ decades-long status quo is “intolerable” and “unsustainable,” calling for voluntary, informed choices.

Surveillance & Rights: Amnesty International says Morocco’s DGST and Maroc Telecom ran a long-running spyware system targeting journalists and Sahrawi activists, using tools like Pegasus and FinFisher to track, smear, and help fabricate charges, urging detainees’ release and a moratorium on spyware sales. Geneva Advocacy: Sahrawi defenders El Ghalia Djimi and Hamdi Mhamedou pressed the UN Human Rights Council to end selective implementation, apply the Durban Declaration and Geneva Conventions, and create independent monitoring access for Western Sahara, while calling for the unconditional release of Sahrawi political prisoners and action on Gdeim Izik hunger strikers. Culture & Activism in Zurich: Greta Thunberg backed the Zurich Film Festival premiere of “My Home of Wind and Sand,” calling out international “hypocrisy” and urging concrete support for Sahrawi self-determination. Education & Language: Spain’s University of La Laguna launched a Darija (Moroccan Arabic) seminar for medical and nursing students, blending practical communication with cultural context. Solidarity in France: Sahrawi diaspora groups in France rallied and held cultural events demanding rights for Gdeim Izik prisoners and transfers closer to Western Sahara. Politics in Morocco: Morocco appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as prime minister, a historic first for women, as coalition talks begin.

Royal Diplomacy & Migration: King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will visit Spain’s enclaves Ceuta (Oct 13) and Melilla (Oct 14) amid the ongoing migration crisis, a politically sensitive move after the 2007 royal visit sparked tensions with Morocco. Human Rights at the UN: Sahrawi activist Munina Aouissi Sidi urged the UN Human Rights Council to fully implement UPR recommendations for Western Sahara, warning of continued restrictions and harassment of defenders. Activism Through Film & Climate: Greta Thunberg backed the Sahrawi cause at the Zurich Film Festival, calling out international “hypocrisy” and linking climate justice to self-determination; the documentary My Home of Wind and Sand spotlights Najla Mohamed Lamin’s struggle. Civil Society Under Surveillance: Amnesty reported Morocco’s spyware campaign targeting civil society, describing Pegasus use as part of a broader repression ecosystem. Education & Culture: Spain’s Canary Islands University launched a Moroccan Darija seminar for medical and nursing students, blending language with cultural context. Solidarity Networks: Sahrawi diaspora groups in France rallied for the Gdeim Izik prisoners, demanding rights protections and transfers closer to families. Tindouf Camps Under Strain: UN refugee chief Barham Salih warned that the long-standing Tindouf status quo is “intolerable,” urging solutions that start with refugees’ voluntary choices. Boycott & Youth Support: Nigeria’s ASUU pledged continued solidarity with Western Sahara, sustaining scholarships and advocating boycotts of goods tied to resources extracted without Sahrawi consent.

Academic Solidarity: Nigeria’s ASUU reaffirmed support for Western Sahara, pledging to keep advocating a boycott of goods made with Western Sahara natural resources without Sahrawi consent, while also sustaining scholarships for Sahrawi youth. UN Rights Pressure: Sahrawi activist Munina Aouissi Sidi urged the UN Human Rights Council to fully implement UPR recommendations for Western Sahara, warning of restrictions on expression and assembly and limited access for independent observers. Culture & Activism in Zurich: Greta Thunberg backed the Zurich Film Festival premiere of “My Home of Wind and Sand,” calling out international “hypocrisy” and urging concrete action for Sahrawi self-determination. Film Festival Controversy: A ZFF debate featuring Thunberg drew only 40 attendees despite 300 tickets sold, with Thunberg blaming Morocco for “silencing” the Sahrawi cause. Humanitarian Focus: UN refugee chief Barham Salih told the Security Council that the Tindouf camps’ decades-long status quo is “intolerable,” urging solutions centered on refugees’ voluntary choice. Diaspora Mobilization: Sahrawi groups in France held solidarity actions for the Gdeim Izik prisoners, including rallies and cultural events. Education in the South: Morocco launched the National School of Advanced Technologies of Dakhla (ENTA) to expand advanced engineering training and applied research for southern regions. Politics at Home: Morocco appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first woman prime minister after PAM’s election win, as coalition talks begin.

Zurich Film Festival & Western Sahara: Climate activist Greta Thunberg made a surprise appearance in Zurich for the world premiere of My Home of Wind and Sand, a documentary on Sahrawi activist Najla Mohamed Lamin and the lived reality of Morocco’s occupation, calling out “betrayal” by media attention gaps and stalled international solidarity. Morocco’s New Government: Morocco’s King appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as head of government, making her the first woman to hold the post, as coalition talks begin after PAM’s election win. Pro-Palestine, Anti-normalisation Protests: Demonstrations spread across Moroccan cities demanding an end to diplomatic normalisation with Israel as Rabat upgrades ties, with reports of restrictions and arrests in some locations. Sahrawi Prisoners in Focus (France): Sahrawi diaspora groups in France held rallies and cultural events supporting the Gdeim Izik prisoners on hunger strike, urging rights protections and transfers closer to families. Humanitarian & Rights Pressure: UN refugee chief Barham Salih warned that the Tindouf-camps status quo is “intolerable,” while a Sahrawi human rights activist in Geneva called for independent mechanisms to protect rights in occupied Western Sahara. Sahara in International Diplomacy: Peru backed Morocco’s sovereignty and announced a consulate in Dakhla, adding to growing state-level support for Rabat’s autonomy framework.

Morocco Government Leadership: King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first female head of government, after PAM’s election win, as coalition talks begin and the PJD vows to stay in opposition. Western Sahara in the Spotlight: Climate activist Greta Thunberg surprised audiences at the Zurich Film Festival to back “My Home of Wind and Sand,” a documentary on Sahrawi activist Najla Mohamed Lamin and the occupation’s human cost. Pro-Palestine, Anti-Normalisation: Demonstrations across Moroccan cities challenged Rabat’s deepening Israel ties after embassy upgrades were announced, with reports of bans, dispersals, and detentions. Sahrawi Prisoners: In France, the Sahrawi diaspora held solidarity actions for the Gdeim Izik prisoners on hunger strike, demanding rights and transfers closer to families. Humanitarian and Rights Pressure: UN refugee chief Barham Salih warned that conditions in the Tindouf camps are “intolerable,” while a Sahrawi activist urged independent human-rights mechanisms for occupied Western Sahara. Local Culture & Community: A Sahrawi pharmaceutical lab in the desert keeps producing medicines despite shortages, described as a “rose in the desert.”

Culture & Activism: Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg made a surprise appearance at the Zurich Film Festival, backing the documentary “My Home of Wind and Sand,” which follows Sahrawi activist Najla Mohamed Lamin and denounces Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara. Protest & Identity: Across Morocco, pro-Palestine demonstrations have challenged Rabat’s deepening Israel ties, with reports of restrictions and arrests in some cities. Politics in Morocco’s South: Morocco’s September 23 legislative vote saw higher turnout in Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab, while overall participation fell—fueling debate over how the Sahara is shaping national governance. Human Rights Pressure: In Geneva, Sahrawi activist Ghalia Dajimi urged independent human-rights mechanisms for occupied Western Sahara, citing enforced disappearances, torture, and limits on expression. Diaspora Solidarity: Sahrawi groups in France held rallies and cultural events supporting the Gdeim Izik prisoners on hunger strike. Education & Cooperation: Madrid’s Autonomous University marked 20 years of cooperation with Western Sahara, highlighting projects in humanitarian, health, and cultural fields.

Morocco Post-Election Politics: King Mohammed VI appointed PAM’s Fatima Zahra Mansouri’s expected coalition path after PAM won 97 seats; turnout fell to 38% nationwide, while the Sahara saw stronger participation. Sahara Voter Turnout: Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra hit 77% turnout and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab 61%, with observers citing sustained civic engagement in the Moroccan Sahara. Gdeim Izik Prisoners Solidarity: Sahrawi diaspora groups in France rallied for nine hunger-striking political prisoners, demanding rights protections and transfers closer to families. Human Rights in Occupied Western Sahara: A Sahrawi activist urged UN-backed independent mechanisms in Geneva, citing enforced disappearances, torture, and restrictions on expression and assembly. Culture & Film Spotlight: Zurich Film Festival added Greta Thunberg to a panel for the premiere of “My Home of Wind and Sand,” following Sahrawi activist Najla Mohamed Lamin. Tindouf Camps Under Pressure: UN refugee chief Barham Salih called the Tindouf status quo “intolerable,” warning that generations are growing up with limited prospects. Education/Health Cooperation: Madrid’s universities marked 20 years of cooperation with Western Sahara, including projects in camps and a new agreement involving Tifariti. Diplomacy at the UN: Greece prepares to take the UN Security Council presidency in October, highlighting freedom of navigation and protection of women and children in conflict.

UN Security Council: Greece takes the rotating helm of the UN Security Council on Oct. 1, calling it a “most complex moment” and flagging priorities like freedom of navigation and protecting women and children in armed conflicts. Housing & solidarity: In Madrid, the forcible eviction of 87-year-old Sahrawi MP Tesh Sidi’s fellow tenant “Maricarmen” has sparked a protest encampment of 600+ demanding stronger tenant protections—while Sidi links Spain’s housing debate to Sahrawi rights and colonial responsibility. Sahrawi prisoners: In France, Sahrawi diaspora groups rallied in support of the Gdeim Izik prisoners on open-ended hunger strike since Sept. 23, urging rights protections and transfer closer to families in Western Sahara. Women, culture & film: A new documentary, “My Home of Wind and Sand,” backed by Lightdox, spotlights Sahrawi women’s rights and climate activism through Najla Mohamed Lamin’s story ahead of its Zurich premiere. Occupied Western Sahara: UN refugee chief Barham Salih warned that conditions in Tindouf camps are “intolerable,” urging an end to the decades-long status quo and stressing voluntary choice for the future. Morocco elections in the Sahara: Morocco’s 2026 legislative vote saw higher turnout in Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab, while PAM won 97 seats and the PJD surged back to lead the opposition. Human rights in Geneva: Sahrawi activist Ghalia Dajimi urged independent human-rights mechanisms for Western Sahara, citing enforced disappearances, torture, and restrictions on expression and assembly.

Morocco Elections & Laayoune Turnout: Morocco’s Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) won the 23 September legislative vote with 97 seats, while turnout fell to 38.08% nationwide; in the Sahara, participation stayed high (77% in Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra), keeping Western Sahara central to the political picture. Gdeim Izik Prisoners Solidarity: Sahrawi diaspora groups in France held rallies and cultural events backing nine Gdeim Izik prisoners on open-ended hunger strike, calling for rights protections and transfers closer to families. Human Rights in Occupied Western Sahara: A Sahrawi activist told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva to create independent mechanisms to protect rights in occupied Western Sahara, citing enforced disappearances, torture, and restrictions on expression and assembly. Tindouf Camps Under Pressure: UN refugee chief Barham Salih warned the Security Council that conditions in the Tindouf camps are deteriorating and the long-running status quo is “intolerable,” urging solutions that start with refugees’ choices. Culture & Film Spotlight: Lightdox acquired world sales rights to “My Home of Wind and Sand,” a documentary on Sahrawi women’s rights and peaceful resistance, premiering at the Zurich Film Festival. Education & University Links: Madrid’s Autonomous University marked 20 years of cooperation with Western Sahara, including humanitarian, educational, health, and cultural projects in the camps.

UN Refugee Crisis Call: UNHCR chief Barham Salih told the Security Council that the Tindouf camps’ half-century “status quo” is “intolerable” and “unsustainable,” warning that displacement is crossing generations and urging peace-first action so over 117 million displaced people can return. Human Rights in Occupied Western Sahara: Sahrawi activist Ghalia Dajimi urged the UN Human Rights Council to create independent mechanisms to protect rights in Western Sahara, citing enforced disappearances, torture, unfair trials, and restrictions on expression and assembly. Aid and Accountability in Tindouf: New reporting alleges misappropriation and opaque diversion of humanitarian aid in the camps, alongside fraudulent schemes that leave families and merchants destitute. Sahrawi Culture & Solidarity: Sahrawi representatives marked international solidarity events in Finland and Spain, including talks on self-determination and cooperation in education, health, and culture. Morocco Politics Touching the Sahara: Morocco’s legislative election saw PAM lead with 97 seats amid low turnout, while observers highlighted high participation in Laayoune and other southern provinces under election monitoring. Diplomacy & Western Sahara: Peru announced plans to open a consulate in Dakhla and reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty/autonomy framework, while Morocco’s foreign minister said the dispute has entered a “historic turning point” under UN Security Council Resolution 2797.

Sahrawi Camps Under Strain: UNHCR chief Barham Salih told the Security Council that the Tindouf camps’ half-century “status quo” is “intolerable” as conditions worsen and humanitarian needs remain underfunded, urging solutions rooted in refugees’ free, voluntary choices. Human Rights in Occupied Western Sahara: In Geneva, Sahrawi activist Ghalia Dajimi called for independent human-rights mechanisms, citing decades of alleged violations including enforced disappearances, torture, unfair trials, and restrictions on expression and assembly. Aid and Accountability Questions: New reporting alleges misappropriation and opaque financial practices around humanitarian aid in the camps, with victims describing diversion and fraudulent schemes that deepen destitution. International Solidarity and Culture: Polisario representatives and supporters held events in Finland and Spain linking Sahrawi self-determination to international law, while Madrid’s universities marked 20 years of cooperation with Western Sahara-focused education, health, and cultural projects. Morocco’s Political Shift in the Sahara: Morocco’s 2026 legislative vote put PAM first (97 seats) with turnout at 38% nationwide, but higher participation in Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab; observers praised civic mobilization. Diplomacy and Recognition: Peru announced plans to open a consulate in Dakhla and reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty and autonomy framework.

Sahrawi Refugee Life in Tindouf: UNHCR chief Barham Salih told the Security Council that the “status quo” in the Tindouf camps is “intolerable” and “unsustainable,” warning that conditions are worsening and that generations have grown up with limited prospects. Human Rights in Occupied Western Sahara: In Geneva, Sahrawi activist Ghalia Dajimi urged independent human-rights mechanisms, citing enforced disappearances, torture, unfair trials, and restrictions on expression and assembly. Solidarity Events Abroad: Sahrawi representatives marked international solidarity through lectures and forums in Spain, Finland, and Brussels, linking culture, youth, and international law to the right to self-determination. Health and Education Under Pressure: A Sahrawi pharmaceutical lab in the Algerian desert keeps producing essential medicines for camp hospitals, even amid sand, shortages, and harsh conditions. Morocco’s Political Turn: Morocco’s PAM won the 2026 legislative vote with 97 seats; turnout fell to 38% nationwide, but observers highlighted higher participation in Laayoune and other southern provinces. Diplomacy and Recognition: Peru announced plans to open a consulate in Dakhla and reiterated support for Morocco’s sovereignty and autonomy plan. Tensions and Media: Morocco’s prison authority rejected claims tying the Gdeim Izik hunger strike to detention conditions, while a dispute between Moroccan analyst Samir Bennis and Taleb Alisalem escalated into legal action.

Aid in Tindouf Camps Under Scrutiny: New allegations claim misappropriation, fraud and opaque financial networks are draining humanitarian support meant for Sahrawi refugees, leaving families and local cooperatives in destitution. UN Refugee Chief on Peace and Displacement: UNHCR chief Barham Salih told the Security Council that humanitarians can’t create peace, urging action so displaced people—including in Western Sahara—can return without generations growing up in exile. Human Rights in Occupied Western Sahara: Sahrawi activist Ghalia Dajimi urged Geneva to set up independent mechanisms to protect rights, citing enforced disappearances, torture, unfair trials and restrictions on expression and assembly. Morocco Election, Sahara Turnout, and Representation: Morocco’s PAM won 97 seats as turnout fell to 38% nationwide, but Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab saw much higher participation; observers also praised strong civic engagement, including women. International Moves Around the Sahara: Peru backed Morocco’s sovereignty and plans a consulate in Dakhla, while Morocco’s foreign minister framed the dispute as entering a “historic turning point” under UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Culture and Education Links: Madrid’s universities marked 20 years of cooperation with Western Sahara, including agreements supporting education and humanitarian projects.