Security & Risk: A lethal strike along Morocco’s Western Sahara defensive wall killed Polisario commander Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, with the report linking the attack to an Israeli loitering munition tied to BlueBird Aero Systems—another sign how normalization and military tech are colliding on the ground. UN Process & Diplomacy: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale said Security Council Resolution 2797 is an “unprecedented political verdict” and a roadmap under Chapter VI, while calls are growing to remove the Sahara file from the UN’s C24 decolonization committee as the dispute is reframed toward autonomy talks. Human Rights & International Law: At the UN Human Rights Council, CEBRAPAZ urged action over colonial occupation and alleged economic exploitation, while Polisario’s UN representative reiterated resistance and self-determination. Regional Backing for Morocco: A group of 40 states reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty and backed implementation of Resolution 2797 via negotiations and Morocco’s autonomy initiative. Sahara Economy & Investment Signals: Morocco’s state land agency approved 308 investment projects on about 32,000 hectares in 2025, with 53% concentrated in Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab—supporting jobs and sectors like energy, tourism, industry and agro-industry. Trade Integration (AfCFTA): The Sahrawi Republic’s National Council reviewed its AfCFTA joining experience, highlighting ratification and a profile document meant to attract trade and investment. Politics in Algeria: Algeria’s election campaign is underway amid skepticism and a mass candidate purge, adding uncertainty to the wider regional posture around Western Sahara. EU/Spain & Migration Pressure: Spain’s foreign-policy balancing and Mauritania’s crackdown that stalled migrants in “limbo” add pressure to regional mobility and border-linked economies.