AGP Executive Report

AU Diplomacy: Polisario Secretary-General Brahim Ghali has arrived in Luanda for the AU’s 21st Extraordinary Session on conflict prevention and resolution, set for Aug. 30, as African leaders push for stronger peace mechanisms. Ceuta Border Crisis & Humanitarian Fallout: Reports say up to 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Spain’s Ceuta in late July, triggering a humanitarian emergency and renewed political blame over who orchestrated the surge. Spain–Morocco Tensions: Spain’s foreign ministry says its top diplomat speaks “daily” with Morocco’s Bourita as Madrid insists Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish and EU territory, while Moroccan officials keep reviving claims. Western Sahara in Commerce: Orange plans to withdraw a motorway billboard after Polisario protested a map showing Western Sahara as Moroccan territory—an issue Polisario says violates international law. Cyber & Finance: The hacker group Jabaroot is again in focus after links to leaks involving Morocco’s social security data, raising questions for regional digital security. Local Economy: Laayoune coastal and artisanal fishing landings jumped 56% in the first seven months of 2026, with value up 21%, signaling stronger activity in the fisheries sector.

Ceuta Border Crisis: Around 72,000 people reportedly crossed from Morocco into Spain’s enclave of Ceuta in late July, overwhelming local capacity and triggering a humanitarian emergency amid accusations of trafficking and political pressure tied to the Western Sahara dispute. Diplomatic Pressure on Spain-Morocco: Spain says it is maintaining daily contact with Morocco over Ceuta and Melilla, while Moroccan officials continue to frame the enclaves as Moroccan cities—keeping the territorial fight at the center of Madrid-Rabat relations. Western Sahara in Commerce: Orange says it will withdraw a billboard map that depicted Western Sahara as part of Morocco after Polisario lodged a formal complaint, highlighting how branding and cartography can become trade and reputational flashpoints. Cyber and Security Fallout: The Jabaroot hacking brand is back in focus after links to leaks involving Morocco’s social security system and new publications tied to the Ceuta crisis, feeding wider concerns about information warfare. Sahara Economy Watch: Laayoune’s coastal and artisanal fishing landings rose 56% in the first seven months of 2026, with value up 21%, signaling stronger demand and activity in the fisheries sector. Trade Links: Spain-Morocco bilateral trade hit an estimated €22.757bn in 2025, with Spanish exports and imports both rising in early 2026—showing how economic ties persist even as political tensions flare. Latin America Realignment: Colombia and other Latin American states are moving away from the Polisario Front and toward Morocco’s sovereignty position, with trade and investment cooperation repeatedly cited.

Ceuta Border Shock: Around 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Spain’s Ceuta in late July, overwhelming the enclave and triggering a humanitarian crisis amid claims of deaths and disputes over who orchestrated the surge. Spain–Morocco Tensions: Spanish officials framed the episode as an attack on sovereignty, while Morocco’s role remains contested, keeping the Ceuta-Melilla standoff in the headlines. Western Sahara in Commerce: Polisario in Spain says telecoms firm Orange will withdraw a motorway billboard after it showed Western Sahara as part of Morocco—another reminder that cartography and branding are becoming business flashpoints. Cyber & Security Fallout: The hacker group Jabaroot is back in focus after links to leaks about Morocco’s security and social security data, with the Ceuta crisis now tied to fresh accusations. Trade Signals: New data puts Spain–Morocco trade at about €22.757bn in 2025, with Spanish exports rising in early 2026—useful context as political friction threatens commercial stability. Local Economy Watch: Laayoune fishing landings jumped 56% in the first seven months of 2026, with value up 21%, pointing to momentum in coastal and artisanal fisheries. Regional Diplomacy: Morocco’s Western Sahara position continues gaining traction in Latin America, with Colombia’s shift cited as part of a broader realignment toward Rabat.

Energy & Minerals Investment: USTDA says it will expand support for Morocco’s energy, critical minerals, digital infrastructure and transport projects, including work on LNG infrastructure and a planned September US visit by a Moroccan delegation. Western Sahara Diplomacy in Latin America: Colombia’s new government has recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and pledged deeper cooperation on trade, investment, food security, ports and connectivity, with other countries in the region also shifting away from the Polisario line. Ceuta-Morocco Border Crisis: Spain and Morocco trade fresh accusations as Ceuta faces ongoing humanitarian strain after tens of thousands of crossings; Spain’s foreign ministry says its top diplomat speaks “daily” with Morocco’s Bourita while insisting Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish cities. Corporate Cartography Dispute: Orange plans to withdraw an ad billboard after Polisario protested a map showing Western Sahara as part of Morocco, with Polisario saying it will monitor removal or replacement. Fishing Economy: Laayoune coastal and artisanal fishing landings rose 56% in the first seven months of 2026, with value up 21% to about 1.1bn dirhams, led by a surge in pelagic catches. Media & Reputation Fight: Polisario-linked complaints and analysts’ criticism continue over how Spanish media portray “experts” and discuss Morocco and Western Sahara.

Ceuta Humanitarian Crisis: Tens of thousands of migrants crossed into Spain’s enclave of Ceuta from Morocco in late July, overwhelming shelters and supplies and leaving at least 88 dead, while Spain and Morocco trade blame over “human trafficking mafias” versus alleged Moroccan orchestration. Diplomatic Friction: Spain’s Foreign Ministry says its top diplomat José Manuel Albares speaks “daily” with Morocco’s Nasser Bourita as Madrid pushes for an “effective and viable” response to Ceuta and Melilla statements, after Moroccan officials revived claims over the enclaves. Polisario vs Orange: Orange says it will withdraw an AP-7 billboard after Polisario protested a map depicting Western Sahara as part of Morocco, with Polisario warning it will stay vigilant until removal or replacement. Western Sahara Trade & Law: Polisario also cites EU court rulings to argue that any economic activity in Western Sahara requires Sahrawi consent, as the dispute spills into advertising and media portrayals. Laayoune Fisheries Boom: Coastal and artisanal fishing landings at Laayoune rose 56% in the first seven months of 2026, with value up 21% to about 1.1bn dirhams, led by pelagic fish. Cyber & Ceuta Links: The hacker group Jabaroot is back in focus after alleged leaks tied to Morocco’s security apparatus and accusations connected to the Ceuta crisis, raising fresh questions for business and data security. EU Stance on Sahara: Brussels rejected calls for an independent probe into alleged drone attacks east of the Berm, instead reaffirming support for UN-led negotiations and the EU-Morocco partnership approach. Regional Economic Context: Spain-Morocco trade hit an estimated €22.757bn in 2025, underscoring how border tensions can quickly spill into commercial and logistics interests.

EU-Morocco Deal Watch: Brussels is preparing to finalize a strategic partnership with Morocco by year-end, with extra money aimed at border control and migration management after the late-July Ceuta crisis (around 72,000 crossings and about 100 deaths), while the Western Sahara dispute still hangs over talks. Western Sahara Rights & Trade: Polisario’s Spain representative denounced Orange for an ad billboard that maps Western Sahara as Moroccan territory, arguing it breaches international law and EU court rulings tied to trade coverage. Cyber & Security: Spanish and European reporting keeps spotlighting the hacker brand Jabaroot, previously linked to a 2025 leak involving Morocco’s social security data, now resurfacing in the digital war around Ceuta. Local Economy: Laayoune fishing landings jumped 56% in the first seven months of 2026, with value up 21%, led by a surge in pelagic catches. Diplomacy: Spain says its foreign minister speaks “daily” with Morocco’s Bourita as Madrid presses for dialogue over Ceuta and Melilla statements. Media Scrutiny: A Spanish press ethics complaint targets coverage that allegedly lets a Polisario-linked figure discuss “destruction” of Morocco without challenge.

Western Sahara Trade & Industry: Laayoune’s coastal and artisanal fishing landings jumped 56% in the first seven months of 2026 to 141,780 tons, while value rose 21% to 1.1 billion dirhams, led by pelagics (+86% in volume). EU-Morocco Deal Watch: Brussels is set to finalize a strategic partnership with Morocco by year-end, with extra money aimed at border control and migration management after the late-July Ceuta crisis; the Western Sahara dispute still hangs over talks. Polisario vs Corporate Branding: POLISARIO’s Spain representative denounced Orange for an AP-7 billboard that maps Western Sahara as Moroccan territory, arguing it breaches international law and EU rulings tied to trade coverage. Cyber & Security: The hacker group Jabaroot is back in focus after links to leaks involving Morocco’s security and earlier exposure of Social Security data, raising new questions about digital risks around the Ceuta crisis. Diplomacy & Media Pressure: Spain says its foreign minister speaks “daily” with Morocco’s counterpart on Ceuta and Melilla, while Polisario-linked and Moroccan analysts criticize how Spanish media label certain voices as “experts” on Morocco/Sahara. Regional Solidarity & Capacity Building: Algeria-backed Polisario Summer University in Boumerdes concluded with renewed calls for Sahrawi self-determination, alongside training focused on political, legal, media and economic issues.

EU–Morocco Migration Deal: Brussels is preparing to finalize a strategic partnership with Rabat by year-end, with Ceuta’s late-July crisis pushing the focus toward more funding for border control and migration management (reported as similar in scale to a €7.4bn Egypt package). Western Sahara Legal/Cartography Row: Polisario’s Spain representative Abdulah Arabi denounced Orange for an AP-7 billboard that maps Western Sahara as part of Morocco, arguing it breaches international law and EU rulings. Cybersecurity & Ceuta Links: Spain-linked reporting keeps spotlighting the hacker brand “Jabaroot,” including a prior 2025 leak tied to Morocco’s social security system and new publications linked to the Ceuta crisis. Fishing Economy: Laayoune’s coastal and artisanal fishing landings jumped 56% in the first seven months of 2026, with value up 21% to about 1.1bn dirhams. Diplomacy Watch: Spain says FM José Manuel Albares speaks “daily” with Morocco’s Nasser Bourita over Ceuta and Melilla, reiterating both are Spanish cities and EU territory.

Orange Dispute: POLISARIO’s Spain representative Abdulah Arabi denounced Orange’s billboard on Spain’s AP-7 motorway for depicting Western Sahara as part of Morocco, calling it a violation of international law and pointing to EU court rulings on trade coverage. Fishing Economy: Laayoune coastal and artisanal fishing landings jumped 56% in the first seven months of 2026, with value up 21% to about 1.1bn dirhams, led by a surge in pelagic catches. EU-Migration Funding: After the late-July Ceuta crossings, EU officials say Brussels is set to expand funding for Morocco’s border control and migration management, with a long-delayed partnership deal expected to be finalised by year-end. Spain-Morocco Trade: Spanish agency EFE puts bilateral trade at about €22.757bn in 2025, with Spain remaining Morocco’s top trading partner and exports rising in early 2026. Media & Narrative: Spain’s press ethics body is set to review complaints over Spanish TV debate remarks calling for Morocco’s “political and economic destruction,” while POLISARIO also challenges how Spanish media profiles Sahrawi figures. Sahrawi Capacity Building: Algeria-backed Summer University for Polisario executives concluded in Boumerdes, focusing on self-determination and training across political, legal, media, social and economic topics.

Fishing Boom in Laayoune: Coastal and artisanal fishing landings at Laayoune jumped 56% in the first seven months of 2026 to 141,780 tons, while value rose 21% to 1.1 billion dirhams, driven mainly by pelagic fish (+86% in volume). EU-Morocco Border Deal Push: After the late-July Ceuta crossings, Brussels is preparing to finalize a strategic partnership with Morocco by year-end, with a bigger focus on border control and migration funding. Ceuta/Melilla Migration Fallout: Spain is denying claims it is drafting economic sanctions against Morocco, as debate intensifies over who is responsible for the mass crossings and how they were coordinated. Media Ethics Row: A Spanish press body has filed a complaint over a TV debate where Taleb Alisalem—described as a Polisario-linked voice—was allowed to call for Morocco’s “political and economic destruction” without challenge. Western Sahara Development Lens: Commentary highlights Morocco’s push to frame the Sahara through infrastructure and trade growth, pointing to projects such as the Dakhla Atlantic Port and fisheries as economic drivers. Sahrawi Solidarity Training: Algeria-based Polisario summer university activities wrapped up in Boumerdes, with renewed calls for self-determination and capacity-building.

EU-Morocco Migration Deal: Brussels is set to finalise a strategic partnership with Rabat by year-end, with extra funding for border control and migration management after the late-July Ceuta crisis. Ceuta & Borders: The mass crossings into Spain’s enclaves are also driving fresh scrutiny of who holds leverage over Europe’s border security and how blame is assigned. Trade Ties: Spain–Morocco bilateral trade hit an estimated €22.757bn in 2025, with Spanish exports up in the first half of 2026, underscoring the economic stakes behind political tensions. Western Sahara Development Lens: A new Atlantic-focused view argues Western Sahara should be seen through growth projects like Dakhla’s port and logistics push, not only the dispute. Sahrawi Solidarity & Capacity Building: Algeria-based Polisario Summer University concluded in Boumerdes, with renewed calls for Sahrawi self-determination and independence. Air Connectivity: Royal Air Maroc signed with Starlink to equip its fleet with onboard Wi‑Fi, aiming for full rollout by 2027. Travel Risk Watch: The UK Foreign Office issued “do not travel” warnings for 36 countries, stressing insurance and consular limits for travellers.

Algeria’s Language Shift: Algeria will make English the only foreign language taught in primary school from 2026-2027, pushing French to later years—an overhaul that also shows up in medicine/science, signage and some government services. Atlantic Development & Trade: A new look at Western Sahara’s economy argues the region is increasingly being treated as an Atlantic growth platform, highlighting Morocco’s Dakhla Atlantic Port and related logistics, fisheries and energy plans. EU-Morocco Deal After Ceuta: Brussels is preparing to expand EU funding for Morocco’s border control and migration management after the late-July Ceuta crisis, with Western Sahara still cited as a sticking point in negotiations. Spain-Morocco Commerce: Spain and Morocco logged about €22.757bn in bilateral trade in 2025, with Spanish exports rising in early 2026—amid renewed political tension after the Ceuta crossings. Sahrawi Capacity-Building: Algeria-backed Polisario Summer University in Boumerdes wrapped up, focusing on self-determination and training for political, legal, media, social and economic work. Fisheries Investment Scrutiny: An independent scientist says the Sandpiper phosphate project’s economic case is incomplete and outdated, warning about long-term commodity-price risk and unresolved processing water needs.

EU-Morocco Border Deal: After the late-July Ceuta crossings and about 100 deaths, Brussels is pushing to finalise a strategic partnership with Rabat by year-end, with more money for border control and migration management—while officials deny Morocco encouraged the rush. Ceuta Leverage & Security Risk: A new analysis argues Europe’s reliance on Morocco for migration and security gives Rabat dangerous leverage over EU border stability and politics, echoing the 2021 crisis. Spain-Morocco Trade Snapshot: Spain and Morocco logged about €22.757bn in bilateral trade in 2025; Spanish exports rose in early 2026, underscoring how economic ties keep moving even as political tensions flare. Western Sahara Resources Under Fire: AREN says Russian fishing vessels have returned to Dakhla waters without Sahrawi consent, calling for respect for self-determination over fishery wealth. Dakhla Investment Signals: A U.S. embassy visit highlights the Dakhla Atlantic Port and green hydrogen/ammonia plans, framing the Sahara region as a trade and investment frontier. Polisario Capacity-Building: Algeria-based Summer University for Polisario executives concluded in Boumerdes, stressing training and institution-building for the Sahrawi cause.

EU-Morocco Trade: Spain–Morocco bilateral trade hit an estimated €22.757bn in 2025, with Spanish exports up in early 2026, underscoring Rabat’s weight for Spanish business even as politics stays tense. Ceuta Migration Fallout: After the late-July surge into Ceuta (tens of thousands, heavy loss of life), Spain denies it is preparing economic sanctions against Morocco, while debate continues over misinformation and border-control rules. EU Funding for Borders: Brussels is set to expand a strategic partnership with Morocco, with more money for migration management and border control shaped by the Ceuta crisis. Western Sahara Resources: AREN says fishing in Western Sahara is resuming/expanding without Sahrawi consent, calling it a violation of self-determination and permanent sovereignty. Algeria–Sahrawi Solidarity: Algeria’s solidarity groups and the Polisario’s Summer University in Boumerdes wrapped up training focused on self-determination, capacity-building, and civil society. Morocco’s Atlantic Push: The U.S. Embassy highlighted the Dakhla Atlantic Port and supports green hydrogen/ammonia plans, linking infrastructure to trade and investment. Diplomacy & Media: Spain’s journalism ethics probe follows a debate where a Polisario-linked guest called for Morocco’s “political and economic destruction,” raising fresh questions for media standards.

EU-Morocco Deal Boost: After the late-July Ceuta crossings, Brussels is preparing a strategic partnership with Morocco that could expand EU funding for border control and migration management, with Western Sahara still unresolved in the background. Ceuta Migration Shock: Spain’s enclave saw around 70,000–80,000 irregular entries and about 100 deaths amid viral misinformation about “open borders,” triggering renewed debate on border law and regional spillovers. Morocco’s Trade & Connectivity Push: The U.S. Embassy highlighted the Dakhla Atlantic Port as a trade and investment gateway for Sahel access to the Atlantic, alongside support for green hydrogen/ammonia plans. Western Sahara Resources Under Fire: AREN condemned renewed and expanded foreign fishing in Sahrawi waters, saying it lacks Sahrawi consent and violates permanent sovereignty over natural resources. Diplomacy in Latin America: Colombia’s new government froze ties with the SADR and moved to back Morocco’s sovereignty, signaling further Latin American realignment. Capacity-Building in Algeria: Polisario/SADR’s 14th Summer University in Boumerdes wrapped up, with Sahrawi and Algerian solidarity groups stressing training and self-determination. Aviation Tech Upgrade: Royal Air Maroc became Africa’s first airline to equip its fleet with Starlink Wi‑Fi, rolling out in stages through 2027.

EU-Morocco Deal: Brussels is preparing to finalize a strategic partnership with Morocco by year-end, with extra money aimed at border control and migration management after the late-July Ceuta crisis—though the Western Sahara dispute remains unresolved. Ceuta Migration Shock: Spain faced an estimated 70,000+ irregular entries in late July, triggered by viral misinformation about an “open border,” leading to around 100 deaths and thousands of people still in the enclave weeks later. Sahrawi Capacity-Building: Algeria hosted the 14th Summer University for Polisario Front and Sahrawi State executives in Boumerdes, focused on self-determination and independence, with civil society and economic issues on the agenda. Fishing Rights Alarm: AREN says Russian vessels have resumed/expanded fishing near Western Sahara’s coasts without Sahrawi consent, urging respect for permanent sovereignty over resources. Dakhla & Investment Signals: A U.S. embassy delegation visited Dakhla Atlantic Port, highlighting trade and investment potential, alongside U.S. support for green hydrogen/ammonia feasibility work. Morocco’s Media & Connectivity Push: Royal Air Maroc signed with Starlink to equip its fleet with onboard Wi‑Fi, while Morocco entered an accession process toward TV5 Monde governance. Latin America Diplomatic Shift: Colombia’s new government froze ties with the SADR and moved toward Morocco’s position, signaling deeper cooperation on trade, investment, food security and ports.