AGP Executive Report

Morocco Strategy & Western Sahara Dispute: A new policy paper says Rabat has shifted from pure historical and legal claims to a “statecraft” mix of diplomacy, economic development, governance, security cooperation and coalition-building—aiming to move the global debate from decolonisation to autonomy and pragmatic geopolitics. UN Mediation Watch: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit the Tindouf camps to help restart negotiations, with diplomats citing a push to reduce risks to stability across the Sahel and Sahara. Defence Spending Pressure: SIPRI data shows Africa’s military burden rising fast: Algeria tops the “militarised economies” list at 8.8% of GDP, while Morocco also increased spending to about 3.5% of GDP—linked in part to the Western Sahara dispute. Trade Union Solidarity: UGTSARIO held a solidarity meeting at the ILO in Geneva, urging intensified efforts for Sahrawi self-determination and highlighting workers’ and human-rights concerns tied to natural resources. Corporate Exposure in Occupied Territory: Heidelberg Materials says it produced and supplied major construction materials in occupied Western Sahara, including cement output and concrete for port and infrastructure projects—drawing renewed scrutiny. EU Market Labeling Fight: Catalonia for the Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and partners launched a campaign targeting AZURA Group over how Dakhla is marketed and how origin labels are handled for exports. Political & Security Tensions: The Polisario Front mourns the death of Lehbib Mohamed Abdelaziz in combat, while US lawmakers again press for designating Polisario as a terrorist group, citing maritime-security concerns near Gibraltar.

National Mourning: The Polisario Front mourns the death in combat of Lehbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a 37-year-old commander in the First Reserve Brigade, with the Presidency declaring three days of national mourning after his killing alongside two companions. Diplomatic Push: UN Secretary-General’s envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit the Tindouf camps (June 7–8) aiming to restart conditions for Western Sahara negotiations amid renewed international efforts. Defence Spending Race: A SIPRI-linked review shows Africa’s most militarised economies spent over $33bn on defence in 2025, highlighting Algeria’s heavy military burden and Morocco’s spending rise tied in part to the Western Sahara dispute. Labour Solidarity: UGTSARIO held a solidarity meeting in Geneva on the sidelines of the 114th ILO conference, calling for Sahrawi self-determination and spotlighting workers’ and human-rights issues tied to decolonisation. Corporate Scrutiny: Germany’s Heidelberg Materials says it increased cement output in occupied Western Sahara in 2025 and supplies major port and infrastructure projects, drawing renewed criticism from Western Sahara Resource Watch. Civil Society Pressure: Trade unions and civil groups in Europe launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging accurate origin labelling and respect for European court rulings regarding Dakhla’s status. Political Support Abroad: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination, while EFF leaders marked Africa Day by condemning Morocco’s “continued intransigence” over occupation.

UN Mediation Watch: UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit the Tindouf camps June 7–8, aiming to create conditions for renewed Western Sahara talks as international efforts try to break years of deadlock and reduce wider Sahel/Sahara security risks. Arms Race & Regional Costs: A new report puts Algeria and Morocco among the biggest military spenders in North Africa, with Algeria’s outlay at 8.8% of GDP and Morocco’s rising 6.6% to $6.3bn—linked in part to the Western Sahara dispute and broader regional instability. Trade Union Solidarity: UGTSARIO held a solidarity meeting at the ILO conference in Geneva, with Polisario representatives calling for Sahrawi self-determination and highlighting workers’ and human-rights concerns tied to natural resources. Civil Society Pressure on Business: Catalonia for Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging compliance with European court rulings and accurate origin labelling for exports from Dakhla. Corporate Footprint in Occupied Territory: Heidelberg Materials says it increased cement output in occupied Western Sahara in 2025 and supplies major port and infrastructure projects in El Aaiún and Dakhla, keeping scrutiny on corporate links to Morocco’s consolidation. Political Support Abroad: South Africa’s Left Conference and EFF both reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination, while Burundi reiterated backing for Morocco’s autonomy plan after UN Security Council Resolution 2797.

Algeria’s Strategic Redeployment: A new analysis argues Algiers hasn’t changed its Western Sahara objective, but is shifting resources to a “less visible” Sahel and West Africa front, raising the stakes over who controls key land routes and energy logistics. Labour Solidarity for Self-Determination: UGTSARIO held a solidarity meeting at the ILO Conference in Geneva, with Polisario representation, urging stronger international trade-union support for Sahrawi self-determination and workers’ and human rights in the territory. Corporate Footprint in Occupied Sahara: Heidelberg Materials, via Ciments du Maroc, reported cement and concrete supplies tied to major infrastructure in occupied El Aaiún and Dakhla, with production rising in 2025—fueling renewed scrutiny from Western Sahara Resource Watch. EU Market Pressure on “Dakhla, Morocco” Claims: Catalonia for the Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and partners launched a campaign against AZURA Group, demanding accurate origin labeling and respect for European court rulings on Western Sahara’s separate status. Political Support in Southern Africa: South Africa’s Left Conference and EFF both reaffirmed support for Sahrawi independence, while condemning Morocco’s “intransigence” and the plunder of natural resources. US Lawmaker Push on Polisario Label: A US senator renewed calls to designate Polisario as a terrorist group, citing alleged Iranian links and concerns over maritime security near Gibraltar.

Trade Union Solidarity: UGTSARIO held a solidarity meeting in Geneva on the sidelines of the 114th ILO Conference, with Polisario representation and labor groups urging intensified efforts for Sahrawi self-determination, workers’ rights and protection of natural resources. Corporate Footprint in Occupied Territory: Heidelberg Materials said it supplied cement and concrete for major infrastructure in occupied Western Sahara, including El Aaiún and Dakhla Atlantique, with cement output rising to nearly 600,000 tonnes in 2025. EU Market Pressure on Exports: Catalonia for Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and partners launched a campaign against AZURA Group, demanding accurate origin labeling and respect for European court rulings after the firm marketed Dakhla as “south of Morocco.” Diplomacy and UN Process: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilal argued the Sahara issue is moving beyond “conflict management,” pointing to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and the autonomy framework under Moroccan sovereignty. Political Support in Southern Africa: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed support for Sahrawi liberation and self-determination, while EFF leader Julius Malema called Western Sahara “the last colony in Africa.”

Labour & Rights in Focus: UGTSARIO held a solidarity meeting in Geneva on the sidelines of the 114th ILO Conference, with the Polisario representative in Switzerland and labour leaders discussing workers’ rights, human rights and the role of natural resources in Western Sahara’s decolonisation, and calling for intensified efforts toward Sahrawi self-determination. Political Support from South Africa: South Africa’s Left Conference reaffirmed its backing for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and independence, linking the Western Sahara struggle to opposition against neocolonial domination and resource exploitation. EU Market Pressure on Companies: Catalonia for Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and partners launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging the firm to respect European court rulings, stop branding Dakhla as Moroccan, and ensure accurate origin labelling for products exported to Europe. UN Diplomacy & Legal Framing: Morocco’s UN envoy said the Sahara issue should move beyond the UN committee stage, arguing Resolution 2797 makes the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty the “serious, realistic and sole basis” for a definitive solution. Regional Solidarity Signals: Burundi reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan before the UN C-24, welcoming Security Council Resolution 2797 and urging constructive engagement by all parties.

Franco-Moroccan Deal: Morocco and France are finalising a new “Friendship Treaty” to replace the 1955 La Celle-Saint-Cloud accord, aiming for a more equal, long-term economic and strategic partnership, with Western Sahara diplomacy framed as part of the new era. Latin America Pivot: Ecuador and Colombia are stepping up trade and security talks with Morocco, using Rabat as a South-South partner to secure alternative markets and UN clout. Arms & Industry: DefendTex declined to comment on its Drone40 sale under Japan’s JSDF program; the UAV is reported to have seen combat use in the Western Sahara and is built for roles from ISR to strike. Corporate Pressure in Dakhla: Catalan and French groups launched a campaign against AZURA Group, demanding accurate origin labelling and respect for European court rulings that treat Western Sahara as legally distinct from Morocco. UN & Autonomy Push: Morocco’s UN ambassador said the Sahara issue is moving beyond “conflict management,” pointing to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and the autonomy plan as the sole basis for a definitive solution. Solidarity Politics: South Africa’s Left Conference and EFF both reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination and condemned occupation and resource plunder.

Diplomacy & Budget Reality: South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation minister Ronald Lamola defended a 2026/27 foreign affairs budget of R7.23bn, but critics point to weak growth, high unemployment and a 26.3% vacancy rate across 114 missions—raising questions about whether diplomacy can scale. Western Sahara Trade & Compliance: A Catalonia for Freedom of Sahrawi People campaign targets AZURA Group, urging it to follow European court rulings, stop calling Dakhla “south of Morocco,” and ensure correct origin labels for exports. UN Peacekeeping Spotlight: UN chief António Guterres will posthumously award the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in Abyei, with Western Sahara listed among missions where Bangladesh contributes troops. Political Support Signals: South Africa’s EFF renewed support for Sahrawi self-determination, while Algeria’s Ahmed Attaf stressed stronger African unity and cooperation. UN Process & Morocco’s Position: Morocco’s UN ambassador Omar Hilal said the Sahara issue should shift from “conflict management” to a definitive autonomy-based solution under UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Regional Economic Pressure Point: A report says only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025, the lowest on record, while export volumes rose to about 2.02m tonnes—fueling renewed scrutiny of “P for plunder.”

UN Peacekeeping & Western Sahara-linked deployments: UN chief António Guterres will honour six Bangladeshi peacekeepers posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on June 5, as part of a ceremony marking International Day of UN Peacekeepers; the UN says more than 50,000 personnel serve across complex missions, including Western Sahara. Political support for Sahrawi self-determination: South Africa’s EFF and the Conference of the Left both reiterated unconditional support for the Sahrawi people’s right to freedom and independence, condemning occupation and resource plunder. EU market pressure on occupied-area branding: Catalonia for the Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective urged AZURA Group to respect European court rulings, stop calling Dakhla “south of Morocco,” and ensure accurate origin labels for exports to Europe. Sahara resources & trade scrutiny: A report says only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025, the lowest recorded, while total shipments rose to about 2.02 million tonnes. Diplomacy at the UN: Morocco’s UN ambassador Omar Hilal said the conflict-management phase is ending and called for a definitive solution under the autonomy framework, pointing to UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Regional investment narrative: Coverage also highlights Morocco’s Gulf ties and consular openings in Laayoune and Dakhla as part of a broader Atlantic-Gulf economic and security push.

Sahrawi Rights Push in South Africa: South Africa’s Left Conference in Johannesburg backed Sahrawi self-determination, calling Western Sahara “the people’s struggle for freedom and independence” and condemning neo-colonial domination and resource exploitation. EFF De-colonisation Call: On Africa Day, South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters echoed the same line, with Julius Malema saying it’s “shameful” to celebrate liberation while Western Sahara remains under occupation and its natural resources are plundered. UN Peacekeeping Recognition: The UN will posthumously honour six Bangladeshi peacekeepers with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on June 5, highlighting Bangladesh’s role in missions that also include Western Sahara. Phosphate Trade Signal: A new report says only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025—the lowest recorded—while exports rose to about 2.02 million tonnes, keeping pressure on the economics of the dispute. EU Market Pressure on Dakhla Labels: Catalan and French groups launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging accurate origin labelling and respect for European court rulings that treat Western Sahara as legally distinct from Morocco. Morocco’s UN Messaging: Morocco’s UN ambassador Omar Hilal said keeping the Sahara issue on the UN agenda is “obsolete,” arguing Resolution 2797 points to negotiations focused on Morocco and the Polisario.

Atlantic-Gulf Diplomacy: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI met UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed in Rabat as tensions in the Middle East threaten trade and energy routes, with both sides pushing coordination to keep maritime corridors stable. France-Morocco Reset: Paris and Rabat marked a new strategic phase with the official arrival of French Ambassador Philippe Lalliot, following a period of strained ties that included visa cuts. Western Sahara Resource Pressure: A new report says only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025—the lowest on record—while exports still reached about 2.02 million tonnes, underscoring ongoing economic stakes. Corporate Compliance in Dakhla: Catalan and French groups launched a campaign against AZURA Group, urging it to follow European court rulings, stop calling Dakhla “in Morocco,” and ensure accurate origin labels for exports. UN Peacekeeping Spotlight: UN chief António Guterres will posthumously honour six Bangladeshi peacekeepers with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on June 5, with Western Sahara listed among missions receiving Bangladeshi personnel. Political Messaging at the UN: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilal said keeping the Sahara issue on the UN agenda is “obsolete,” pointing to Security Council Resolution 2797 and the autonomy framework. Africa Day Solidarity: South Africa’s EFF renewed support for Sahrawi self-determination, calling Western Sahara “the last colony in Africa.”

Western Sahara Resource & Trade: Western Sahara phosphates remain a flashpoint for illegal extraction, with a report saying only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025—the lowest recorded—while 36 vessels shipped about 2.02 million tonnes. Corporate Accountability: A Catalonia for Freedom of the Sahrawi People campaign is pressuring AZURA Group to respect European court rulings, stop branding Dakhla as Moroccan, and ensure correct origin labels for products exported to Europe. UN Diplomacy & Legitimacy: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale says keeping the Sahara dossier on the UN Committee of 24 is “obsolete,” arguing Resolution 2797 makes the Security Council the proper forum and backs Morocco’s autonomy plan. Regional Politics: Burundi reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan at the UN C-24 seminar and welcomed Security Council Resolution 2797, while condemning actions it said could threaten stability. Civil Society & Media: Slovenian TV highlighted the Sahrawi issue via an interview with ISACOM president Aminatou Haidar, who urged EU responsibility for prolonging the conflict through support to Morocco. Africa Day Solidarity: South Africa’s EFF renewed support for Sahrawi self-determination, with Julius Malema calling Western Sahara “the last colony in Africa” and condemning Morocco’s “continued intransigence.” Peacekeeping (Context for Western Sahara): UN Peacekeepers Day coverage highlights posthumous Dag Hammarskjöld Medal awards and notes troop contributions that include Western Sahara among active missions.

UN Peacekeeping & Western Sahara links: UN Secretary-General António Guterres will honour six Bangladeshi peacekeepers posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on June 5, as part of International Day of UN Peacekeepers ceremonies in New York; the UN notes Bangladesh deploys troops across missions including Western Sahara. Western Sahara trade pressure: Catalonia for Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and partners have launched an open letter and petition urging AZURA Group to respect European court rulings, stop calling Dakhla “south of Morocco,” and ensure accurate origin labels for products exported to Europe. Phosphate business spotlight: Western Sahara Resource Watch reports only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025, the lowest on record, while exports rose to about 2.02 million tonnes. UN diplomacy & Morocco’s stance: Morocco’s UN ambassador Omar Hilale told the UN Committee of 24 that keeping the Sahara dossier on the agenda is “obsolete,” pointing to Security Council Resolution 2797 and the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. Regional politics: Burundi reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan and welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2797, while condemning actions it says threaten stability, including an attack on Smara on May 5.

Corporate Accountability: Catalonia for Freedom of the Sahrawi People Collective and French partners urged AZURA Group to follow European court rulings, stop marketing Dakhla as Moroccan, and ensure accurate origin labels for exports to Europe—framing it as a legal and ethical issue tied to Sahrawi control of resources. Diplomatic Pressure: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale said keeping the Sahara dossier on the UN Committee of 24 is “obsolete,” arguing Resolution 2797 makes the Security Council the proper forum and backs the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. International Support for Autonomy: Burundi reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan at the C-24 seminar and welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2797, citing growing international momentum and urging constructive engagement by all parties. Media Spotlight: Slovenia’s UPULS aired a major interview with ISACOM president Aminatou Haidar, highlighting alleged human rights abuses in occupied territories and calling on the EU to do more. Trade & Resources: Western Sahara Resource Watch reported a record low of only three companies importing phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025, with 36 vessels shipping about 2.02 million tonnes. UN Peacekeeping: UN chief António Guterres will posthumously honour six Bangladeshi peacekeepers with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on June 5, with Western Sahara listed among missions where Bangladesh contributes personnel.

Gulf-Backed Development Push: Morocco’s deepening ties with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar are translating into Gulf investment in infrastructure, tourism, logistics and energy, with support for Rabat’s Western Sahara autonomy plan also reflected in new consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla. UN Process Momentum: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale says keeping the Sahara file on the UN Committee of 24 is “obsolete” after Security Council Resolution 2797, urging a shift from rhetoric to action under the autonomy framework. C-24 Endorsement: Burundi reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as the “sole and only” credible basis for a settlement, welcoming Resolution 2797 and pointing to socio-economic strides in the southern provinces. Human Rights Spotlight: Slovenian TV featured Sahrawi human rights defender Aminatou Haidar (ISACOM), highlighting alleged rights abuses in occupied territories and refugee camps, and calling for stronger EU solidarity. Phosphate Trade Pressure: Western Sahara Resource Watch reports only three companies imported phosphate rock from occupied Western Sahara in 2025, the lowest recorded, while noting 36 vessels and 2.02m tonnes exported. Peacekeeping Day: UN plans to posthumously honour six Bangladeshi peacekeepers with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on June 5, with Bangladesh also listed among major troop contributors including deployments to Western Sahara. Regional Diplomacy: Algeria’s foreign minister Ahmed Attaf reaffirmed commitment to stronger African unity and economic integration on Africa Day. Livestock Subsidy Fallout: Morocco’s Eid al-Adha sheep price crisis has reignited political disputes over livestock import subsidies and state support, with parliamentarians trading blame over stalled inquiries. Academic Linkages: Tifariti University joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, focusing on research and sustainable development cooperation.

UN Peacekeeping Honors: UN Secretary-General António Guterres will award the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal posthumously to six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a December 2025 drone strike in Abyei, alongside 68 total recipients, during the June 5 International Day of UN Peacekeepers ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York. Algeria-Africa Day Diplomacy: Algeria’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf used Africa Day to reaffirm stronger African unity and cooperation, highlighting expanded diplomatic missions and wider air links across the continent. Western Sahara at the UN: Morocco’s UN ambassador Omar Hilal told the UN Committee of 24 that keeping the Western Sahara dossier on the agenda is “obsolete,” arguing the Security Council framework and the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty should now drive a definitive settlement. Western Sahara Negotiations: Algeria reiterated support for direct talks between Morocco and the Polisario Front, stressing any outcome must preserve Sahrawi self-determination under UN principles. Western Sahara Economy Watch: Western Sahara Resource Watch says phosphate imports from occupied Western Sahara hit a record low in 2025, with only three companies importing, while exports still reached about 2.02 million tonnes.