AGP Executive Report

Diplomatic Momentum: Two European countries—Denmark and Greece—publicly backed Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy framework, calling it “credible” and a “serious and credible contribution” to UN-led negotiations, while Denmark also flagged plans to deepen trade and co-investment in areas like green energy, water tech and agriculture. UN Human Rights Council Pressure: At the 63rd session in Geneva, NGOs urged independent monitoring in the Tindouf camps amid allegations of abuse, while a Geneva Support Group statement called for sustained, impartial human rights monitoring in Western Sahara, citing detention, torture and restrictions on expression. Climate Justice vs. Resource Projects: British expert Nick Brooks and Sahrawi officials argued that occupation worsens climate risks and that renewable energy and other projects cannot “greenwash” dispossession or override self-determination. Trade & Investment Moves: Morocco and Guinea signed 25 cooperation agreements spanning finance, customs, energy, ports, agriculture and training, and Morocco-Canada business leaders are set to meet in Montreal on 19 September to turn trade into investment partnerships. Infrastructure & Water Security: ONEE is studying a third Laayoune desalination unit that could lift capacity to about 900 liters per second, as demand rises. Security & Ports: A US military delegation visited Dakhla Atlantic Port, underscoring growing Morocco-US cooperation on maritime infrastructure and regional connectivity. Legal Accountability: The UN Committee against Torture issued a decision on a Sahrawi detainee’s detention conditions, highlighting obligations to investigate ill-treatment and protect detainees’ dignity.

UN Human Rights Council Watch: The 63rd UNHRC session opened in Geneva, with renewed calls for independent monitoring and unrestricted OHCHR access tied to Western Sahara, as diplomats and rights groups press for attention to detention, torture and restrictions on expression. Diplomatic Push: A group of 40 states reaffirmed support for Morocco’s “full and complete sovereignty,” pointing to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and backing Rabat’s Autonomy Plan as the only viable path. Climate Justice & Energy: At Geneva side-events, British and Mozambican officials framed occupation-linked climate risks as a human rights issue, while Sahrawi representatives warned that renewable projects cannot “greenwash” occupation or override self-determination. Port & Infrastructure: A US military delegation visited Dakhla Atlantic Port, underscoring growing Morocco–US cooperation and highlighting construction progress. Water Security: ONEE is studying a third Laayoune desalination unit to raise capacity toward 900 liters/second. Resource Economy Scrutiny: Western Sahara Resource Watch urged the UN to pull natural-resource exploitation into the political process, citing fisheries, phosphate exports and new energy plans. NGO Allegations in Tindouf: NGOs urged independent oversight in Tindouf camps, alleging abuse and child recruitment, while noting figures were not independently verified. Ceuta Spillover: Spain’s Ceuta crisis continues amid protests, calls for EU support, and renewed debate over migration, border control and legal reforms.

Ceuta Migration Fallout: Spain’s Ceuta crisis keeps escalating after the late-July surge of tens of thousands of people, with reports of remaining migrants, unrest on the beaches, and a government push for EU support plus planned changes to immigration and asylum rules. Cartography & Narrative Wars: Google Maps’ “disputed” dashed-border display for Ceuta and Melilla is again inflaming Madrid, though fact-checkers say it predates the crisis—fueling a new round of political messaging around borders. Water & Infrastructure in Laayoune: Morocco’s ONEE is studying a third Laayoune seawater desalination unit that could lift capacity from 600 to about 900 liters per second, aiming to meet rising demand in the region. Rights, Law & Business Pressure: In Germany’s Thuringia, Sahrawi groups urged companies to withdraw from projects in occupied Western Sahara, citing EU court rulings; separately, a UN Committee against Torture decision highlights detention-condition violations tied to Sahrawi detainees. Climate Justice Side-Event: A UN Human Rights Council side event in Geneva will focus on climate justice and human rights in occupied Western Sahara, including environmental impacts of phosphate, fishing, and renewable energy projects. EU–Morocco Diplomacy: Greece reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan, adding to broader European momentum around UN-led negotiations. Resource Scrutiny: A Sahrawi environmental group condemned dredging and marine activities in occupied territories, demanding transparency on contractors, permits, and full environmental impact assessments.

Water & Infrastructure: Morocco’s ONEE is studying a third Laayoune seawater desalination unit, potentially lifting capacity from 600 to about 900 liters per second to meet rising demand in Laayoune and nearby centers. Human Rights & Legal Pressure: The UN Human Rights Council’s 63rd session opens in Geneva, with Western Sahara-related side activity on climate justice and rights under foreign occupation, while a UN Committee against Torture decision flags humiliating detention conditions for Sahrawi detainee Abdelmoula El Hafidi. Diplomacy & Trade: Denmark renews support for Morocco’s “credible” autonomy plan for Western Sahara and signals deeper cooperation, including a proposed Morocco-Denmark business council. EU-Morocco Commerce: Germany says it has no reservations about the EU-Morocco trade framework that preserves tariff preferences for goods originating in Morocco’s Western Sahara regions, with origin labeling and monitoring. Environment & Resources: A Western Sahara monitoring group condemns dredging and marine activities in occupied territories, calling for disclosure of contractors, full environmental impact assessments, and a halt until Sahrawi rights are respected. Regional Security & Ports: A US military delegation visits Dakhla port as Washington deepens on-the-ground engagement in the Sahara. Migration Politics Spillover (Ceuta): Spain faces ongoing fallout from the July Ceuta crossings, with protests, shelter burnings, and new calls for EU support and immigration/asylum law reforms. Project Risk Check: An independent review says the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project’s economic case is still incomplete, citing gaps in financial, environmental, and fisheries assessments before benefits can be treated as established.

Ceuta Migration Crisis: Spain says there’s “no evidence” Morocco was behind the late-July surge of over 70,000 migrants into Ceuta, but the situation is still unstable: thousands remain in the enclave, shelters have been burned, and authorities face rising reports of sexual assaults and ongoing pressure on services. EU Border Politics: Spain is asking the European Commission for support, while EU agencies are set to increase backing for Morocco’s border control—fueling a wider debate on how Europe outsources migration management. Western Sahara Rights & Legal Pressure: The UN Committee against Torture found violations in the detention conditions of Sahrawi activist Abdelmoula El Hafidi, adding legal momentum on prison treatment. Sahara Trade & Investment: Germany says it has no reservations about the new EU-Morocco trade framework that preserves tariff preferences for goods from Western Sahara regions, including origin labeling and monitoring. Environment & Resources: A Western Sahara observatory group condemns dredging and marine activities in occupied El Aaiún, calling for full disclosure of contracts and independent environmental impact assessments. Sahara Diplomacy: Denmark renewed support for Morocco’s “credible” autonomy plan and signaled deeper trade and investment cooperation. Regional Business Links: Morocco delivered 1,000 tonnes of DAP fertilizer to Mali to support farmers, via AMCI, as food security and agriculture remain key economic priorities.

Sahara Development & Infrastructure: A new analysis argues Spain and others still read Western Sahara through Cold War-era lenses, while pointing to visible on-the-ground economic upgrades under Morocco, from highways and ports to renewable power, desalination, agriculture, tourism and private investment. EU Trade & Origin Rules: Germany says it has “no reservations” about the EU-Morocco trade framework that preserves tariff preferences for goods from Western Sahara regions, including monitoring and origin labeling tied to Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab. US Engagement in the South: A US military delegation visited Dakhla Port, with Washington framing the stop as deeper, practical cooperation on maritime infrastructure, connectivity, economic development and security. Human Rights & Detention: The UN Committee against Torture found violations in the case of Sahrawi detainee Abdelmoula El Hafidi, citing humiliating treatment and calling for investigations. Environment & Resource Concerns: A Sahrawi environmental watchdog condemned dredging and marine activities in occupied territories, demanding disclosure of contractors, permits and full environmental impact assessments. Regional Agriculture Support: Morocco delivered 1,000 tonnes of DAP fertilizer to Mali to back food security and sustainable farming. Migration Pressure on Spain: Spain continues investigating the Ceuta mass-crossing, while protests, shelter burnings and EU/Spain policy moves keep the crisis in focus.

Fertilizer & Food Security: Morocco delivered 1,000 tonnes of DAP fertilizer to Mali in Bamako, with the handover ordered by King Mohammed VI and Transition President Assimi Goïta via AMCI, aiming to boost yields amid climate stress, water shortages and soil degradation. Sahara Trade & EU Rules: Germany backed the new EU-Morocco trade framework for Western Sahara, saying it registered no reservations and that tariff preferences tied to origin labeling for Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab comply with the EU court ruling. Diplomacy for a Political Deal: Denmark renewed support for Morocco’s “credible” Autonomy Plan, calling it a good basis for a UN-led solution and highlighting a push toward deeper Morocco-Denmark cooperation on trade, investment and migration. Rights & Detention: UN Committee against Torture found Sahrawi detainee Abdelmoula El Hafidi’s prison conditions in Aït Melloul amounted to humiliating treatment, urging investigations and accountability. Port & Marine Environment: A Sahrawi monitoring group condemned dredging and marine activities in occupied Western Sahara, demanding disclosure of contractors, permits and full environmental impact assessments. US Engagement in the Sahara: A senior US military delegation visited Dakhla Port to discuss maritime infrastructure, connectivity, economic development and shared security priorities. Migration Pressure on Spain: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez denied evidence of Moroccan involvement in the Ceuta surge, while the crisis continues to strain shelters, services and political debate.

Fertilizer & Food Security: Morocco delivered 1,000 tonnes of DAP fertilizer to Mali in Bamako, with the handover ordered by King Mohammed VI and Transition President Assimi Goïta via AMCI, aiming to boost yields amid climate stress, water limits and soil degradation. Sahara Trade & Investment: Germany backed the EU-Morocco trade framework that preserves tariff preferences for goods from Morocco’s Western Sahara regions, saying it registered no reservations and that the deal meets EU court conditions, including origin labeling and monitoring. Sahara Diplomacy: Denmark renewed its support for Morocco’s “credible” autonomy plan for Western Sahara, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and pledging to deepen Morocco-Denmark ties, including a planned business council. Human Rights & Detention: The UN Committee against Torture found violations in the case of Sahrawi detainee Abdelmoula El Hafidi, pointing to humiliating detention conditions and calling for prompt, impartial investigations. Ceuta Migration Shock (Business angle): Spain’s Ceuta crisis continues to strain EU-Morocco border cooperation narratives, with protests, shelter burnings, and new Spanish plans to amend immigration and asylum laws while investigations continue over alleged Moroccan involvement. Marine Environment in Occupied Territories: A Sahrawi environmental watchdog condemned dredging and port-related marine activity in occupied Western Sahara, demanding disclosure of contractors, permits and full environmental impact assessments.

Sahara Diplomacy & Trade: Denmark has renewed its backing for Morocco’s “credible” autonomy plan for Western Sahara, with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen calling it a good basis for a UN-led political process and signaling stronger Morocco-Denmark strategic ties that include a new business council and cooperation in water technology, renewables, pharma, agriculture and infrastructure. Human Rights & Legal Accountability: The UN Committee against Torture ruled on the case of Sahrawi detainee Abdelmoula El Hafidi, finding his detention conditions in Aït Melloul prison amounted to humiliating treatment and pointing to Morocco’s duty to investigate and ensure complaint rights. EU-Morocco Economic Framework: Germany says it has no reservations about the EU-Morocco trade framework that preserves tariff preferences for goods from Morocco’s Western Sahara regions, including origin labeling and monitoring mechanisms. Occupied Territories & Environment: A Sahrawi environmental watchdog in El Aaiún condemned dredging and marine activities in occupied Western Sahara, demanding a halt, disclosure of contractors and permits, full environmental impact assessments, and independent review of cumulative effects. Spain-Ceuta Migration Fallout: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez rejected claims of Moroccan involvement in the July Ceuta mass crossings, while protests and calls for EU support continue amid shelter shortages and ongoing investigations.

UN Human Rights: The UN Committee against Torture ruled that Sahrawi detainee Abdelmoula El Hafidi’s conditions in Aït Melloul prison amounted to humiliating treatment, urging prompt and impartial investigations into ill-treatment claims. Ceuta Migration & EU Policy: Spain’s government says there’s no intelligence basis for Moroccan involvement in the July Ceuta surge, while protests in the enclave turned violent and the state asked the European Commission for support, alongside plans to amend immigration and asylum laws. Trade & Market Access (Sahara): Germany backed the EU-Morocco trade framework that preserves tariff preferences for goods from Morocco’s Western Sahara regions, saying it registered no reservations and that origin labeling and monitoring are in place. US–Sahara Engagement: A US military delegation visited Dakhla port, signaling deeper Washington engagement in the Sahara through maritime, connectivity and security discussions. Environment & Resources: A Sahrawi monitoring group condemned dredging and marine activities in occupied Western Sahara, calling for a halt, full disclosure of permits and companies, and independent environmental impact assessments. Regional Diplomacy: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali wrapped up an Angola visit tied to AU efforts on conflict prevention, while Namibia urged stronger Global South solidarity and respect for self-determination, including for Western Sahara.

Sahrawi Independence Stance: Polisario Secretary-General Brahim Ghali told a National Secretariat session that Sahrawis’ right to freedom and independence is “inalienable and non-negotiable,” calling for any solution to follow UN resolutions through a transparent process, while warning of Morocco’s regional expansionism and alleged drug trafficking funding for criminal networks. Environmental Pressure in the Occupied Territories: The Western Sahara Observatory condemned dredging and other marine activities in occupied areas, urging a halt until environmental impact assessments are published, contracts and permits are disclosed, and independent monitoring is carried out. EU-Morocco Trade Rules: Germany backed the EU-Morocco trade framework that preserves tariff preferences for goods from Western Sahara regions, saying it registered no reservations and that origin labeling and monitoring mechanisms comply with the EU court ruling. US Footprint in the Sahara: A US military delegation visited Dakhla Port, signaling deeper Washington engagement tied to maritime infrastructure, connectivity and security cooperation. Ceuta Migration Fallout (Spain–Morocco): Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez said there’s no intelligence showing Moroccan involvement in the July surge into Ceuta, while the crisis continues to strain politics, services and narratives on both sides. Power Supply Disruption (Regional Economy Link): Tunisia’s STEG announced intermittent power cuts across multiple regions from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., citing grid balance and system sustainability.

Ceuta Migration Shock: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez says there’s no intelligence showing Moroccan involvement in the July 30-31 surge of over 70,000 migrants into Ceuta, while thousands remain in the enclave and the political fight over blame is intensifying. Online Disinformation: Researchers link the rush to misleading social media claims and AI-generated posts that distorted Spain’s legal position on returns, helping fuel the deadliest mass crossing. EU-Morocco Trade & Western Sahara: Germany backs the EU-Morocco trade framework that preserves tariff preferences for goods tied to Morocco’s Western Sahara regions, saying it has no reservations and that origin labeling and monitoring are built in. US Engagement in the Sahara: A US military delegation visited Dakhla Port, signaling deeper Washington activity in maritime infrastructure and security cooperation in the region. Occupied Territories Watch: A Sahrawi environmental group condemns dredging and marine activities in occupied Western Sahara, demanding contract details and full environmental impact assessments. Polisario Diplomacy: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali wraps up an AU-focused visit in Angola, while Mauritania confirms renewed contacts but rejects any move toward a Polisario mission in Nouakchott. Energy & Infrastructure Signals: Tunisia’s STEG announces scheduled power cuts, while Libya sees renewed interest in underground water exploration by Rosgeologia—both reminders of how energy and water security shape regional business conditions.

Non-Aligned Movement Solidarity: Namibia urged stronger Global South unity and reform of the global political and economic system, spotlighting Palestine and Western Sahara and calling for respect for self-determination and international law. Environmental Pressure in Western Sahara: The Western Sahara Observatory for Monitoring Natural Resources condemned dredging and marine activities in occupied El Aaiún, demanding a halt, full disclosure of contractors and permits, published environmental impact studies, and independent review of cumulative effects. US–Morocco Economic Push in the Sahara: A US military delegation visited Dakhla Port as Washington deepens on-the-ground engagement in Morocco’s southern provinces, with maritime infrastructure and shared security priorities on the agenda. Ceuta Migration Fallout with Sahara Links: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez rejected claims of Moroccan involvement in the Ceuta migrant surge, while Germany backed an EU-Morocco trade framework that preserves tariff preferences for goods tied to Western Sahara, including origin labeling and monitoring. Power and Infrastructure Signals: Tunisia’s STEG announced scheduled power cuts (1 p.m.–6 p.m.) across multiple regions, underscoring ongoing grid management pressures. Polisario Diplomacy in Africa: Polisario Secretary-General Brahim Ghali wrapped up an Angola visit after AU summit discussions on conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms. Public Rights Scrutiny: A UN rights delegation visited Morocco’s Ombudsman office in Laayoune to discuss mediation and redress mechanisms for citizens. Branding and Trade Narratives: Orange said it will withdraw a billboard map depicting Western Sahara as Moroccan territory after a Polisario complaint.

US–Algeria Business Forum: Algiers is betting on a smoother U.S. relationship after years of shifting cooperation, with Washington still viewing Algeria as a key Sahel partner. Human Rights & Governance: A UN human rights delegation visited Morocco’s Ombudsman office in Laayoune to review mediation and complaint-handling mechanisms, as rights protection and public service quality stay under scrutiny. Sahara Trade & Tariffs: Germany backed the EU–Morocco trade framework that preserves tariff preferences for products from Morocco’s Western Sahara regions, saying it registered no reservations and that the deal meets EU court conditions. Ceuta Migration Pressure: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez rejected claims of Moroccan involvement in the Ceuta migrant surge, while thousands remain in the enclave and the crisis keeps straining Spain–Morocco ties tied to Western Sahara politics. US–Sahara Security & Ports: A senior U.S. military delegation visited Dakhla port to discuss maritime infrastructure, connectivity and shared security priorities, signaling deeper on-the-ground engagement in the southern provinces. AU Conflict Prevention: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali wrapped up participation in an AU extraordinary summit in Luanda focused on strengthening conflict prevention tools and resources. Energy Reliability: Tunisia’s STEG announced scheduled power cuts across multiple regions, aiming to protect grid stability and balance demand and supply.

Human Rights & Governance: A UN human rights delegation visited Morocco’s Ombudsman office in Laayoune to review how complaints are handled and how mediation and redress mechanisms work, with officials discussing ways to improve access to public services. US–Sahara Economic & Security Links: Senior US military officials toured Dakhla Atlantic Port, focusing on maritime infrastructure, regional connectivity, economic development and shared security priorities, following earlier US engagement at El Guerguerat. Energy Reliability: Tunisia’s STEG warned of intermittent power cuts on Sept 1 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. across Greater Tunis, North/Northwest/Central regions and Sfax, South and Southwest, with restoration possibly without notice. EU Trade Rules for Western Sahara: Germany backed the EU–Morocco trade framework that preserves tariff preferences for Western Sahara-origin goods, saying it registered no reservations and that the arrangement complies with the EU court ruling. Sahara Diplomacy in Africa: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali wrapped up an Angola visit after an AU extraordinary summit on conflict prevention, arguing existing mechanisms need activation and resources. Ceuta Pressure & Regional Tensions: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez said there’s no intelligence showing Moroccan involvement in the July Ceuta migrant surge, while the dispute continues to spill into politics and public messaging. Cyber & Corporate Fallout: Reports on the hacker group Jabaroot link recent leaks tied to Morocco’s security services to earlier attacks, raising new questions for institutions and business data security. Water & Infrastructure Watch: Russia’s Rosgeologia says it is searching for underground water in Libya’s Sahara, a reminder of how water projects can reshape regional infrastructure priorities.

US–Sahara Trade & Security: A senior US military delegation visited Dakhla’s Atlantic port, focusing on maritime infrastructure, regional connectivity, economic development and shared security priorities—following earlier US engagement at El Guerguerat. EU–Morocco Trade Rules: Germany told parliament it registered no reservations about the EU–Morocco trade framework that keeps tariff preferences for Western Sahara-origin goods, including monitoring and origin labeling for Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab. Sahara Diplomacy at AU: Polisario leader Brahim Ghali wrapped up an Angola trip after the AU extraordinary summit in Luanda on conflict prevention, urging activation of existing mechanisms and renewed decolonization commitments. Western Sahara in Spanish Media/Ads: Polisario in Spain pressed Orange to remove a billboard map depicting Western Sahara as Moroccan territory; the company said it will withdraw it. Ceuta Pressure Point: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez said there’s no evidence Morocco instigated the July Ceuta migrant surge, while investigations continue and thousands remain in the enclave. Local Economy Watch: Laayoune coastal and artisanal fisheries landings rose sharply in the first seven months of 2026, with higher volumes and value driving growth.