AGP Executive Report

Australia–Sahrawi Rights: Australia’s ruling Labor Party backed UN-led self-determination for Western Sahara and urged MINURSO to monitor human rights, while calling for the immediate release of Sahrawi political prisoners. Natural Resources & Legal Strategy: In Chahid El Hafed, the Working Group on Natural Resources pushed the case for Sahrawi permanent sovereignty, citing phosphate and other reserves, and highlighted legal wins in European courts tied to unlawful exploitation. Prisoner Health Alarm: SADR and rights lawyers demanded urgent action over Sahrawi activist Naama Asfari’s deteriorating health after more than a month on hunger strike in Kenitra Prison. US Fertiliser Pressure: A US tariff pause on Moroccan phosphate is framed as a supply-chain move that could deepen the economic impact of Morocco’s occupation. Spain’s Nationality Move: Spain’s justice committee approved a bill granting nationality to Sahrawis born during Spanish rule and descendants, with further parliamentary steps ahead. Regional Energy Deals: West Africa endorsed the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a major corridor that could reshape regional energy flows and investment. Diplomacy Watch: Nigeria reaffirmed support for the SADR, while Spain–Algeria ties thawed without changing Spain’s Sahara stance.

Fertiliser & Trade Pressure: With a looming US fertiliser crunch, the Trump administration temporarily suspended tariffs on phosphate imports from Morocco, claiming lower prices—while critics say a large share of that phosphate is mined illegally from occupied Western Sahara, turning US trade policy into a direct hit on Sahrawi resource sovereignty. Natural Resources Sovereignty: In Chahid El Hafed, Sahrawi and international experts reaffirmed the people’s permanent sovereignty over natural resources and their right to self-determination, as the Natural Resources Working Group reviewed technical and legal cases before European courts and mapped next steps for stronger legal accountability. Legal Battle Planning: The Working Group also set up an upcoming international conference on “Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources and the Legal Battle,” focusing on litigation pathways, monitoring exploitation, and pressing states and companies involved in plunder. Human Rights & Detention: SADR and rights lawyers urged urgent global action over Sahrawi political prisoner Naama Asfari, warning his health is critical after more than a month on hunger strike in Kenitra Prison. Diplomacy & Regional Support: Nigeria reaffirmed continued support for the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, while SADR called on Nigeria and the African Union to play a stronger role in resolving the Western Sahara conflict. Spain-Algeria Economic Reset: Spain and Algeria moved to normalize ties after the Western Sahara dispute, with energy and trade cooperation back on the agenda, including higher Spanish imports of Algerian gas. Atlantic Energy Deal: West African leaders backed the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline framework, a major regional energy corridor that could reshape North Africa’s economic leverage.

Natural Resources & Legal Strategy: In Chahid El Hafed, the Sahrawi Working Group on Natural Resources held a consultative meeting with international experts, lawyers and solidarity activists to review litigation pathways and plan next steps to expand accountability over illegal exploitation of Western Sahara’s resources. SADR Diplomacy: The SADR urged Nigeria and the African Union to take a stronger role in resolving the Western Sahara conflict and backing self-determination, while Nigeria reaffirmed its longstanding support for the SADR during talks in Abuja. Human Rights Pressure: Rights lawyers and the SADR called for urgent global action over Sahrawi political prisoner Naama Asfari, warning his health is critical after more than a month on hunger strike in Kenitra Prison. Energy & Regional Business: West Africa’s ECOWAS states backed the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,900-km corridor aimed at moving up to 30 bcm/year through 13 countries to Morocco and onward to European grids. Spain–Algeria Thaw (Sahara-linked): Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez visited Algiers to normalize ties after the 2022 Western Sahara rupture, with talks focused on energy and investment; Spain also moved to increase Algerian gas imports by 10% while Algeria said discussions included Western Sahara. Film, Ethics & Occupation: New debate continues over Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” after reports that parts were filmed near Dakhla in occupied Western Sahara, raising ethical and legal concerns.

SADR Diplomacy: The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic urged Nigeria and the African Union to step up on Western Sahara self-determination, as SADR officials met Nigerian counterparts in Abuja and reiterated Nigeria’s long-standing support for the Sahrawi cause. Legal Strategy: Sahrawi groups plan an international conference in Chahid El Hafed on permanent sovereignty over natural resources, focusing on legal avenues and how to challenge exploitation by states and foreign companies. Human Rights Pressure: Rights lawyers and the SADR called for urgent global action over Sahrawi political prisoner Naama Asfari, warning his health is critical after more than a month on hunger strike in Kenitra Prison. Energy & Trade: West African leaders signed off on the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline framework, a roughly $25bn, 6,900km project aimed at moving up to 30 bcm of gas annually across 13 countries—an economic bet with major regional implications. Spain–Algeria Reset: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez visited Algiers to normalize ties after the Western Sahara dispute, with energy cooperation and investment on the agenda, while Spain signaled it will not change its stance. Citizenship Move: Spain’s justice committee approved a bill granting Spanish nationality to Sahrawis born during Spanish colonial rule and descendants, with further votes still required. Film, Tourism & Ethics: The blockbuster “The Odyssey” reignited debate after reports it filmed near Dakhla in occupied Western Sahara, raising questions about ethical standards and the use of cinema to boost tourism.

SADR-Diplomacy: Nigeria reaffirmed its continued support for the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in talks in Abuja, stressing self-determination, decolonisation and respect for colonial borders. Legal & Resources: The Sahrawi Working Group will hold an international conference in Chahid El Hafed on permanent sovereignty over natural resources and the legal battle, focusing on monitoring and documenting exploitation in occupied Western Sahara. Film, Tourism & Ethics: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has reignited debate after filming near Dakhla in Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara, with critics saying it normalises occupation while Morocco promotes the location to boost tourism. Energy & Trade: West African leaders backed the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,900 km corridor targeting up to 30 bcm/year, with potential links to European markets via Morocco and Spain. Spain–Algeria Reset: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez visited Algiers to deepen ties and expand energy and investment cooperation, while Algeria ended a four-year rupture without changing Madrid’s Western Sahara stance. Citizenship Policy: Spain advanced a bill granting nationality to Sahrawis born during Spanish colonial rule and their descendants, with further parliamentary steps ahead.

Spanish Citizenship Push for Sahrawis: Spain’s Congressional Justice Committee has approved a bill granting Spanish nationality to Sahrawis born in the former colony and to descendants, with a September vote next before the Senate—an economic and legal shift for families affected by the Western Sahara dispute. France-Algeria Visa Clash: Paris moved to cool consular expectations in Algeria, saying visas won’t be “reinstated” on any automatic basis without migration cooperation, as normalization talks stumble on migration policy. Spain-Algeria Thaw, Sahara Still Sticks: Pedro Sánchez’s first Algiers visit in four years ended a diplomatic freeze but without changing Madrid’s Western Sahara position; energy topped the agenda, including a reported 10% rise in Algerian gas imports. African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Gains Momentum: ECOWAS leaders signed off on the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline framework, targeting up to 30 bcm/year across West Africa—an infrastructure bet that links regional growth with Morocco’s wider energy and trade positioning. Western Sahara in the Spotlight via “The Odyssey”: Nolan’s film controversy continues as critics say filming near Dakhla risks normalizing Morocco’s occupation, while Morocco touts tourism gains tied to the production. Maritime Security & Trade Risks: Morocco urged stronger collective maritime cooperation at the African Maritime Forces Summit, highlighting smuggling, piracy and illegal fishing as business-impacting threats across African sea lanes. Pegasus Spy Claims: A new investigation alleges Morocco used Pegasus against Spanish journalists and Sahrawi activists, with hundreds of Spanish numbers reportedly targeted—raising compliance and security costs for cross-border business and media.

Film & Tourism Economy: Hollywood’s “The Odyssey” is again putting Western Sahara’s disputed economy in the spotlight after reports it was filmed near Dakhla, with Morocco promoting the location to boost tourism and new air links, while Sahrawi groups say the production risks whitewashing occupation and violating international law. Diplomacy & Energy: Spain and Algeria moved to normalize ties after a four-year freeze tied to Western Sahara, with leaders agreeing to expand gas cooperation and investment dialogue—without changing Spain’s stance on Morocco’s autonomy plan. Regional Gas Deal: West African leaders backed the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline framework, aiming to move up to 30 bcm/year across about 13 countries toward Morocco and onward to Europe. Security & Surveillance: A multi-outlet investigation renewed scrutiny of Morocco-linked Pegasus targeting, including alleged attempts against Spanish journalists and Sahrawi activists. Maritime Cooperation: Morocco opened the African Maritime Forces Summit in Rabat, pushing collective maritime security partnerships tied to trade and anti-smuggling priorities. Human Rights: CEAS-Sahara urged Morocco and the international community to urgently address the deteriorating health of Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari.

Spain–Algeria Reset: Pedro Sánchez visited Algiers for the first time in four years, agreeing to boost energy and trade ties after the 2022 Western Sahara rupture—while Algeria said talks were “fruitful” and “frank,” and both sides kept the Sahara stance unchanged. Western Sahara Diplomacy: Benin and Ghana reiterated support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, with Benin backing Rabat’s territorial integrity and citing UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Energy Corridor Deal: ECOWAS leaders endorsed the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a ~6,900km project aimed at moving up to 30 bcm/year across 13 countries toward Morocco and Europe. Maritime Security: Morocco pushed for stronger collective maritime cooperation at the African Maritime Forces Summit in Rabat, linking the agenda to Western Sahara’s strategic framing. Film, Tourism & Controversy: Hollywood’s “The Odyssey” filmed in occupied Dakhla is being used by Rabat to market Dakhla tourism, while Sahrawi groups and NGOs condemn it as normalization of occupation. Pegasus Claims: A new investigation alleges Moroccan use of Pegasus against Spanish targets, including journalists and Sahrawi activists.

African Atlantic Gas Pipeline: ECOWAS leaders signed an intergovernmental agreement backing the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a ~6,900km corridor aimed at moving up to 30 bcm/year through 13 West African countries to Morocco and onward to Europe via the Maghreb-Europe network, though it’s not a final investment decision. Spain–Algeria Thaw (energy-first): Pedro Sánchez’s first Algiers visit in four years ended a freeze without shifting Spain’s Western Sahara stance; the focus was boosting Algerian gas supplies (including a reported 10% import increase) and expanding Spanish investment, with talks also covering migration and the Sahara dispute. Maritime Security: Morocco pushed for stronger collective maritime cooperation at the African Maritime Forces Summit in Rabat, warning that smuggling, piracy, illegal fishing and maritime terrorism threaten trade and stability. Western Sahara under spotlight (film & politics): Calls for boycotts and legal scrutiny grew over Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” filming in occupied Dakhla, with Sahrawi groups arguing it risks normalizing Morocco’s control and violating international law. Cyber & surveillance claims: A new Pegasus-related report alleges Morocco targeted Spanish journalists and Sahrawi activists with hacking attempts, including hundreds of Spanish numbers.

Energy & Trade: West African leaders backed the $25bn African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a ~6,900km project to move up to 30 bcm/year of Nigerian gas along 13 countries to Morocco, with possible access to Europe via the Maghreb-Europe network—an ECOWAS endorsement that still leaves financing and transit rules to be settled. Spain–Algeria Reset (Sahara-linked): Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez visited Algiers for the first time in four years, seeking a deeper economic partnership after a Western Sahara-linked rift; both sides agreed to boost Spanish imports of Algerian gas by 10% and discussed investment, migration, and energy cooperation. Film, Tourism & Legal Pressure: Morocco’s push to use Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” filming in occupied Dakhla as a tourism and economic boost is drawing fresh backlash from Sahrawi groups, who say it whitewashes occupation and violates international law. Cyber & Intelligence: New reporting on Pegasus claims Morocco used Israeli spyware against Spanish targets, including numbers linked to journalists and Sahrawi activists, keeping surveillance and cross-border security in focus. Finance Watch: FTX began a $900m payout process for eligible creditors, while its provider eligibility list still flags jurisdictions including Western Sahara.

Spain–Algeria Rapprochement: Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez met Algeria’s President Tebboune in Algiers, aiming to reset ties after the 2022 Western Sahara rift; the agenda is heavy on energy and investment, with Algeria set to boost gas supplies to Spain and both sides discussing Spanish company expansion, migration, and a new economic partnership. Franco-Moroccan Deal Push: In Rabat, French PM Sébastien Lecornu said France’s position on the Sahara is “unwavering” as Paris and Rabat prepare a landmark bilateral treaty, alongside security, energy, and renewable power cooperation and a raft of new agreements. West Africa Gas Pipeline Milestone: ECOWAS endorsed the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,000–6,900km project meant to move Nigerian gas to Morocco and onward to Europe via Spain, with construction targeted for 2028—raising regional trade and infrastructure stakes. Western Sahara Film Backlash: Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” filming in occupied Dakhla is drawing renewed tourism-economy controversy and boycott calls, with Sahrawi groups warning it risks normalizing Morocco’s occupation. Surveillance and Pegasus Claims: A Spanish report alleges Morocco used Pegasus to target Spanish numbers, including journalists and Sahrawi activists—fueling cross-border business and political risk concerns. Human Rights Pressure: CEAS-Sahara urged Morocco to release Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari as his health reportedly deteriorates, keeping detention and legal risk in the spotlight.

ECOWAS Endorsement: West African leaders have formally signed off the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,000–6,900km project meant to carry Nigerian gas along Africa’s Atlantic coast to Morocco and then into Europe via Spain, with construction targeted for 2028 and talks still needed on financing, tariffs and transit rules. Film, Tourism and the Sahara Row: Hollywood’s “The Odyssey” has sparked a fresh PR and boycott fight after parts were filmed in occupied Dakhla, with Morocco pitching the move as tourism growth while Sahrawi groups say it whitewashes occupation and violates international law. Spyware Allegations: A Spanish probe reports Morocco-linked Pegasus hacking attempts against more than 200 Spanish mobile numbers, including journalists and Sahrawi activists, renewing pressure on cross-border security and privacy. Franco-Moroccan Reset: France’s PM Sébastien Lecornu says Paris’ Western Sahara position is “unwavering” as Rabat and Paris sign 14 agreements, including work on renewable electricity exports and deeper energy cooperation. Health Alarm: CEAS-Sahara urges Morocco to immediately release Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari as his hunger strike health reportedly deteriorates. Aviation Safety: Spanish investigators are looking into a near-miss involving an Iberia A321XLR and an Air Europa 787 near Western Sahara airspace, resolved by onboard collision-avoidance systems.

Cybersecurity & Espionage: A new international investigation says Morocco used Pegasus spyware (2017–2021) to target more than 200 Spanish mobile numbers, including journalists, Sahrawi activists and political figures, with Spanish leaders’ phones reportedly infected. Aviation Safety: Spanish investigators are probing a near-miss where an Iberia A321XLR and an Air Europa 787 took evasive action over the Canaries airspace near Western Sahara. Sahara Rights & Health: CEAS-Sahara warns Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari’s health is deteriorating after a hunger strike; the Sahrawi Working Group also condemns filming in occupied Dakhla for “The Odyssey,” saying it risks normalising Morocco’s occupation. Energy & Trade Diplomacy: France and Morocco push a deeper partnership in Rabat, including a renewable electricity export project and 14 cooperation agreements, while EU moves to update Morocco’s aviation pact. Regional Energy Cooperation: Algeria and Germany signal expanded gas and renewable cooperation, including a possible southern hydrogen corridor. Political Dynamics: Mauritania’s opposition says it’s wrong to treat a Polisario meeting as a unified stance on the Moroccan Sahara dispute.

Energy & Trade Diplomacy: Algeria pushes for a bigger EU energy role as Berlin and Algiers deepen gas and renewables cooperation, including talk of a southern hydrogen corridor and direct LNG flows to Germany. Franco-Moroccan Deal-Making: France and Morocco step up their “enhanced exceptional partnership” in Rabat, signing 14 agreements across security, economy, migration and defence, while Lecornu reiterates Paris’ unwavering support for Morocco’s Western Sahara position and advances an electricity interconnection plan. Aviation & Connectivity: The EU Parliament clears an updated Morocco aviation pact (Croatia inclusion), while the broader debate continues over how Western Sahara is treated in EU legal frameworks. Occupied Western Sahara Under Scrutiny: Sahrawi groups condemn Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” filming in occupied Dakhla as whitewashing, as calls for boycotts grow; separate reporting also highlights alleged Pegasus-linked spying targeting journalists and Sahrawis. Human Rights & Health: CEAS-Sahara warns of serious deterioration for detained Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari amid a hunger strike, renewing calls for release. Natural Resources & Land: Sahrawi working groups accuse Engie-linked infrastructure of enabling desalination and export farmland expansion in occupied areas via new land tenders. Regional Politics: Mauritania’s opposition says it’s wrong to read a Polisario meeting as a unified stance on the Moroccan Sahara dispute.

Franco-Moroccan Deal Push: French PM Sébastien Lecornu’s Rabat visit is framed as a “turning point” after France backed Morocco’s Western Sahara position in 2024, with 14 cooperation agreements signed across security, energy, migration, defence and investment, plus work toward a long-term bilateral treaty. Aviation & Connectivity: The EU Parliament approved an updated EU-Morocco aviation protocol (final Council approval pending), expanding air links while keeping Western Sahara flight-zone exclusions in focus. Energy for Agriculture in Occupied Dakhla: Morocco launched another tender for over 1,090 hectares of farmland in occupied Western Sahara, tied to the Dakhla seawater desalination project powered by French firm Engie—prompting Sahrawi legal groups to denounce new settlement-linked economic expansion. Human Rights Alarm: CEAS-Sahara urged the “immediate release” of Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari, warning of serious health deterioration after a hunger strike. Spyware & Media Scrutiny: Spanish reporting alleges Morocco used Pegasus to target journalists and Sahrawis, while separate coverage highlights the wider political fallout from the claims. Film Boycott Fallout: Sahrawi groups renewed condemnation of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” for filming in occupied Dakhla, saying it risks normalizing occupation and whitewashing international-law violations.

Aviation Safety: Spanish investigators say an Iberia A321XLR and an Air Europa 787 took evasive action near Western Sahara on 10 July, with collision-avoidance systems resolving the near-miss over oceanic airspace about 70nm off the coast. Spyware & Media Freedom: Reports allege Morocco used Pegasus spyware via the DGST to target journalists and Sahrawis, including 768 cyberattack attempts tied to a Dutch journalist’s number. Franco-Moroccan Deals: France and Morocco’s renewed partnership in Rabat produced 14 agreements across security, energy, transport and investment, with Lecornu reiterating Paris’ “unwavering” Sahara position and pushing a direct renewable electricity link. Energy-Backed Land Expansion: Sahrawi groups condemn Morocco’s new tender for 1,090+ hectares of farmland in occupied Western Sahara, saying it is enabled by Engie-linked desalination infrastructure. Human Rights Pressure: Spain-based NGO CEAS-Sahara warns Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari’s health is deteriorating after a hunger strike, calling for immediate release. Film Boycott & Occupation Scrutiny: Sahrawi campaigners renew calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over filming in Dakhla, arguing it normalizes Morocco’s occupation while Sahrawi creators face repression.