Tourism Boom in the Disputed Desert: Morocco says tourist arrivals to its Western Sahara-administered regions jumped over 50% from 2019 to 2025, helped by new direct European flights to Dakhla and rising hotel investment—though critics warn the marketing may further normalize the territory’s contested status. Green Hydrogen Cost Advantage: A new techno-economic study flags Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra as among Morocco’s cheapest green hydrogen production zones, with estimated costs around $5.42–$5.57 per kg, strengthening the business case for renewables-led projects. France Doubles Down on Sovereignty: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reiterated that the “present and future” of the Sahara sit within Moroccan sovereignty, backing Morocco’s autonomy plan and pointing to practical steps like consular and cultural expansion in Laayoune. Human Rights Pressure: The UN Committee against Torture accused Morocco of systemic abuse of Sahrawi detainees linked to the Gdeim Izik protests, citing torture, coerced confessions and failures to investigate. Diplomacy & Mediation: Algeria reaffirmed support for direct Morocco-Polisario talks under UN principles and self-determination, while the broader international debate on the Sahara continues to shape regional economic and security decisions. Regional Business-Adjacent Security: A major cocaine seizure off Western Sahara—reported as potentially the largest in Europe—highlights how illicit trade routes intersect with the region’s ports and cross-border logistics.