AGP Executive Report

Human Rights Under Pressure: Front Line Defenders says at least 358 human rights defenders were killed in 28 countries in 2025, with land, environmental and peasant rights activists among the most targeted, as funding shrinks and repression grows. UN Decolonization Push: African states, including South Africa and Angola, reiterated support for Sahrawi self-determination at the UN’s C-24, urging a long-promised referendum and renewed UN action. Western Sahara Rights Monitoring: In Geneva, Catherine Constantinides warned that selective enforcement of international law in Western Sahara erodes the UN’s credibility, calling for credible independent monitoring and accountability. Blockade, Drones, and Green Energy Land Grabs: NOVACT’s Mahfud Bechri condemned Morocco’s information blockade, alleged land grabs tied to “green energy,” and deadly drone strikes, while criticizing European states for silence. Local Food Resilience: A fish farming project in Sahrawi camps near Tindouf is boosting access to fresh seafood, using tilapia ponds to supply residents and support nutrition in harsh desert conditions. Sahrawi Culture in the Spotlight: A travelling “jaima” tent exhibition at the Oslo Freedom Forum highlights Sahrawi identity and resilience through art and human rights storytelling.

UN Decolonization Push: South Africa and Angola reiterated support for Sahrawi self-determination at the UN C-24, calling for urgent steps toward the long-promised referendum and stressing Western Sahara’s status as a Non-Self-Governing Territory. Human Rights Under Scrutiny: In Geneva, Sahrawi and international voices warned that repression, land confiscations, and “colonial blockades” are widening the gap between international law and political will, with Catherine Constantinides urging credible independent monitoring. Drone Strikes and Media Blockade: NOVACT’s Mahfud Bechri denounced Morocco’s information blockade, “green energy” land grabs, and deadly drone attacks on civilians, including the expulsion of international observers since 2014. Camps’ Climate-Resilient Food: A fish farming project in Tindouf camps is supplying fresh tilapia to thousands, using ponds to beat isolation and extreme desert conditions. Ecosocialism & Decolonisation: Ecosocialism 2026 announced speakers including a Western Sahara independence advocate, keeping decolonisation and climate justice on the agenda.

UN Decolonization Push: South Africa and Angola reiterated support for Sahrawi self-determination at the UN C-24, urging the UN to urgently organize the long-promised referendum and stressing Western Sahara’s status as a Non-Self-Governing Territory. Human Rights Under Occupation: In Geneva, Sahrawi rights advocate Yaguta El-Mokhtar warned that the international system’s credibility is at stake if international law isn’t applied in Western Sahara, as repression, land confiscations and “colonial blockades” intensify. Drone Strikes and Media Blockade: NOVACT’s Mahfud Bechri condemned Morocco’s information blockade, “green energy” land grabs and deadly drone strikes, saying civic space is being crushed and international observers expelled. Civilian Protection Claims: African experts in Geneva condemned attacks attributed to the Polisario Front against civilians in Smara and called for accountability, while discussing wider Sahel-Sahara security risks. Local Food Resilience: In Tindouf camps, a fish farming project is supplying fresh tilapia to thousands, helping improve nutrition in a harsh desert where seafood is hard and costly to reach. Ecosocialism 2026 Solidarity: Organizers announced new speakers for Ecosocialism 2026, including a Western Sahara independence advocate, keeping decolonial climate politics in the spotlight.

Civilian Protection in Smara: African experts and civil society voices condemned attacks attributed to the Polisario Front against civilians in Smara, urging accountability under international humanitarian law and warning the incidents fit terrorism patterns amid wider Sahel-Sahara insecurity. Human Rights Monitoring Under Pressure: In Geneva, Sahrawi human rights representatives called on the EU and MINURSO to stop tolerating Moroccan violations, citing intensifying repression, land confiscations, and “colonial blockades,” while NOVACT denounced an information blockade, illegal land grabs tied to “green energy,” and deadly drone strikes. Self-Determination at the UN: Angola reaffirmed support for Sahrawi self-determination at the UN’s C-24 meeting, stressing Western Sahara’s non-self-governing status and backing a UN-led political process. Desert Food Resilience: A fish farming project in Sahrawi camps near Tindouf is supplying fresh tilapia to thousands, showing practical adaptation in extreme heat and isolation. Ecosystem of Rights Work: A global report highlighted the killing of at least 358 human rights defenders in 28 countries in 2025, including those protecting land and environmental community rights.

Human Rights at the UN: In Geneva, Sahrawi human rights defenders used a UN Human Rights Council side event to warn that the international system’s credibility hinges on applying international law in Western Sahara, citing intensifying repression, land confiscations, and “colonial blockades” tied to a long political impasse. Drone strikes & green-energy land grabs: NOVACT’s Mahfud Bechri denounced Morocco’s information blockade, illegal land grabs for “green energy,” and deadly drone strikes on civilians, saying advanced military tech and fear are used to keep abuses out of view. Self-determination backed: Angola reiterated at the UN that the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination must be upheld under UN and African Union resolutions, while urging good-faith participation in the UN-led process. Food resilience in the camps: A fish farming project in Esmara camp (Tindouf area) is boosting fresh seafood access by raising tilapia in ponds, helping families and even healthcare nutrition needs in harsh desert conditions.

Desert Security Shock: A lethal strike tied to the Abraham Accords killed senior Polisario commander Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz along Morocco’s Western Sahara defensive wall, underscoring how normalization can spill into battlefield outcomes. Water Under Heat Stress: Morocco is pushing desalination hard as drought becomes “structural,” aiming for seawater to supply much of its drinking water by 2030, while questions remain over costs, brine disposal, and fair access for farmers and cities. Camps Get Practical Food Tech: In Tindouf refugee camps, a fish-farming project raises red and black tilapia to supply fresh seafood locally, easing isolation-driven shortages and improving nutrition. Rights and Self-Determination at UN: Catherine Constantinides urged credible independent monitoring in Western Sahara, warning that selective international law weakens the UN’s legitimacy. Local Politics With Regional Echoes: Algeria’s election drive is marked by a mass purge of candidates, while Polisario’s future is framed as a generational challenge amid shifting international stances. Sahara Diplomacy Moves: A Kenyan parliamentary delegation reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, highlighting growing diplomatic alignment versus continued Polisario backing by Algeria and others.

Water security in the Sahara: Morocco is pushing ahead with ocean-based desalination as drought becomes “structural,” aiming for 60% of drinking water from seawater by 2030, even as costs, brine disposal, and fair access for farmers and cities remain unresolved. Local resilience in refugee camps: In Algeria’s Tindouf province, a fish farming project in Sahrawi camps is supplying fresh tilapia to thousands, cutting the need for long trips to buy seafood and improving nutrition for patients. Rights and accountability in Western Sahara: South African activist Catherine Constantinides told the UN Human Rights Council that independent monitoring in conflict zones is essential, warning that selective application of international law erodes the UN’s credibility and must trigger real accountability for Sahrawi self-determination. Political pressure around the region: A week of coverage also points to heightened political tension in Algeria ahead of elections, alongside renewed debate over the Western Sahara conflict’s next steps. Human rights defenders under strain: Front Line Defenders reports at least 358 HRDs killed in 2025 across 28 countries, including those working on land, environmental, and peasant community rights. Eclipse watch across North Africa: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 will be visible in parts of Europe and also brings a partial eclipse view across Morocco and Western Sahara.

Human Rights & Self-Determination: In Geneva, Catherine Constantinides told the UN Human Rights Council that credible independent monitoring is essential to deter abuses in conflict zones, warning that selective use of international law in Western Sahara weakens the UN’s legitimacy and must spur accountability ahead of the 50-year occupation anniversary. Food Security in the Desert: A fish farming project in Sahrawi refugee camps near Tindouf is supplying fresh tilapia to tens of thousands, cutting the need for long, costly trips for seafood and supporting nutrition in healthcare facilities. Water & Climate Adaptation: Morocco is pushing desalination as drought becomes more “structural,” with a major plant near Casablanca aimed at boosting drinking water supply—though questions remain around costs, brine disposal, and fair access for farmers and cities. Sahara Politics & Visibility: A new travelling “green tent” exhibition at the Oslo Freedom Forum uses the Sahrawi jaima to carry identity, memory, and aspirations for the future, while fresh commentary frames Western Sahara as a crossroads shaped by shifting regional and international dynamics. Diplomacy Signals: A Kenyan parliamentary delegation reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, highlighting growing political alignment around the Sahara dispute.

Water & Climate Adaptation: Morocco is pushing desalination harder as drought becomes a “structural transformation” of the climate cycle, aiming for 60% of drinking water from the ocean by 2030 and building a major Atlantic plant near Casablanca—though costs, brine disposal, and fair access remain open questions. Food Security in the Desert: A fish farming project in Sahrawi refugee camps near Tindouf is supplying fresh tilapia locally, cutting long trips for seafood and supporting nutrition for residents and healthcare facilities. Western Sahara Politics & Visibility: A new phase in the Western Sahara dispute is taking shape as Polisario leadership reiterates self-determination and the referendum option, while the wider international environment shifts around it. Human Rights Under Pressure: A global report flags the deadly risks faced by land, environmental, Indigenous, and conflict-rights defenders, documenting at least 358 killings across 28 countries in 2025. Regional Diplomacy: Kenya’s parliamentary delegation reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative, highlighting a growing Rabat–Nairobi strategic partnership. Transit & Mobility: Operation Marhaba 2026 is set to run June 10 to Sept. 15, with forecasts of nearly 3.5 million travellers crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. Culture & Identity: A travelling “green tent” installation at the Oslo Freedom Forum uses the Sahrawi jaima to share past, present, and future aspirations—turning displacement-era materials into a living statement of resilience. Solar Eclipse Watch: A rare total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 will be visible in parts of Europe and North Africa, including Western Sahara and Morocco, with a large partial eclipse across the region.

Sahrawi Refugee Life & Climate Resilience: A green “Jaimitna” tent installation at the Oslo Freedom Forum spotlights Sahrawi camp architecture and identity, using the jaima as a living symbol of adaptation to harsh desert conditions. Conflict & Visibility: A new look at Western Sahara frames the Polisario’s renewed messaging and the wider political crossroads, with attention on what regional and international shifts could mean for the next phase of the dispute. Food Security in the Desert: In Algeria’s Tindouf camps, an Esmara fish-farming project is supplying fresh tilapia to thousands, cutting reliance on long trips for seafood and supporting nutrition in a high-heat, isolated environment. Water & Drought Strategy: Morocco’s push for desalination is highlighted as a response to “structural” climate change, with plans to draw drinking water from the Atlantic while balancing costs and environmental impacts. Heat & Dust Risks: Weather reporting notes strong winds that can stir sand and dust across the Western Sahara region, underscoring near-term exposure risks during extreme heat.

Food security in the camps: A fish farming project in Esmara camp near Tindouf is raising red and black tilapia in artificial ponds, supplying fresh seafood to thousands of Sahrawi families and even supporting nutrition for patients at healthcare facilities—an answer to long, costly trips for fish in extreme desert conditions. Water and climate adaptation: Morocco is pushing desalination as drought becomes a “structural transformation” of the climate cycle, with a major Atlantic project aimed at boosting drinking water and irrigation while still grappling with environmental and brine-disposal concerns. Solar skywatch across North Africa: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 will also bring a large partial eclipse view across Morocco and Western Sahara, with millions able to see the sun dim in different ways. Heat and dust risk: Egypt’s forecast for scorching, humid conditions includes winds that can stir sand and dust across parts of the Western Sahara, underscoring how heat and air quality pressures travel regionally.

Eclipse Watch: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 will be visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain, while a massive partial eclipse will cross much of Europe and also be seen across Western Sahara and Morocco—plus many nearby countries—making it a rare sky event for millions. Water Security: Morocco is pushing desalination as drought becomes a “structural transformation” of the climate cycle, aiming for 60% of drinking water from the ocean by 2030 and building a major Casablanca-area plant—though costs, environmental impacts and fair access remain open questions. Sahara Politics: A Kenyan parliamentary delegation reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the “only sustainable solution,” highlighting a widening diplomatic split with states backing the Polisario Front. Conflict and Leadership: The death of Polisario National Secretariat member Lahbib Abdelaziz raises fresh questions about the movement’s future leadership and internal balance amid a long-running stalemate. Heat and Dust: Egypt’s meteorological outlook warns of extreme heat and humidity, with strong winds expected to stir sand and dust reaching the Western Sahara. Transit Pressure: Spain-Morocco Operation Marhaba is set to run June 10 to Sept 15, with forecasts pointing to nearly 3.5 million travelers returning across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Solar Eclipse Watch: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 will be visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain, while a massive partial eclipse will also be seen across Morocco and Western Sahara—plus much of Europe—making for a rare “eclipsed sunset” experience. Water Security in the Sahara: Morocco is pushing desalination as drought becomes more structural, aiming for 60% of drinking water from the ocean by 2030; a major Casablanca-area plant is under construction, but questions remain over costs, brine disposal and fair access for farmers and cities. Sahara Politics and Regional Diplomacy: A Kenyan parliamentary delegation reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, pointing to a growing international consensus and contrasting it with states backing the Polisario Front. Conflict and Leadership in the Camps: The death of Polisario National Secretariat member Lahbib Abdelaziz is reported after a drone strike during an incursion east of Morocco’s defensive wall, raising fresh uncertainty over leadership succession. Crossing the Strait: Operation Marhaba (June 10–Sept 15, 2026) is set to move nearly 3.5 million travellers, with ports and routes coordinated across Spain, Morocco and European authorities. Heat and Dust Risk: Egypt’s meteorological outlook warns of extreme heat and humidity, with strong winds expected to stir sand and dust in the Western Sahara.

Water Security & Climate Adaptation: Morocco is pushing desalination as drought becomes “structural,” aiming for 60% of drinking water from the ocean by 2030, with a major Casablanca-area plant under construction—though brine disposal and fair access for farmers and cities remain unresolved. Environmental Justice in Western Sahara: The Sahrawi Observatory (SONREP) marks World Environment Day by linking environmental justice to self-determination, denouncing ongoing exploitation of land and marine resources in occupied areas without Sahrawi consent and pledging to keep documenting “systematic plundering.” Western Sahara Political Deadlock: A new piece argues the Polisario Front is facing internal limits amid a prolonged stalemate, with leadership uncertainty and generational pressure in refugee camps. Diplomacy & Negotiations: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is set to visit Tindouf camps (June 7–8) to help restart talks, framed as a way to reduce risks to Sahel and Sahara stability. Sahara-Linked Regional Politics: A Kenyan parliamentary delegation reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, highlighting a widening diplomatic shift around the Western Sahara dispute. Heat & Dust Impacts (Regional): Egypt’s meteorological authority warns of extreme heat and humidity, plus sand and dust stirred by winds reaching parts of the Western Sahara. Eclipse Watch (Northwest Africa): A major partial solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 will be visible across Morocco and Western Sahara, with a rare eclipsed sunset for many viewers.

Water & Climate Adaptation: Morocco is pushing desalination harder as drought becomes “structural,” with a major Atlantic project near Casablanca aimed at boosting drinking water and irrigation while raising questions about costs and brine disposal. Environmental Justice & Rights: SONREP marks World Environment Day by arguing that environmental protection in Western Sahara is inseparable from Sahrawi self-determination, condemning ongoing exploitation of land and marine resources without consent and pledging continued documentation. Western Sahara Political Process: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura’s planned visit to Tindouf (June 7–8) is framed as a push to restart negotiations, amid warnings that the long stalemate is increasingly destabilizing for the Sahel and Sahara. Heat & Dust Outlook: Egypt’s meteorological updates warn of extreme heat and humidity, plus strong winds that can stir sand and dust across the Western Sahara region. Sahara Dispute Diplomacy: A Kenyan parliamentary delegation reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative, highlighting growing diplomatic alignment around Rabat’s proposal. Leadership in the Camps: The reported death of Lahbib Abdelaziz raises fresh uncertainty inside the Polisario leadership debate, as the movement faces diplomatic wear and generational pressure. Skywatching (Regional): A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 will also bring a rare partial eclipse view across Morocco and Western Sahara, drawing attention to upcoming sky conditions for the region.

Solar & Weather Watch: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 will be visible in parts of Europe, with a major partial eclipse also spanning Northwest Africa—covering Morocco and Western Sahara—meaning many residents may catch a dramatic “eclipsed sunset” even without traveling. Water & Climate Adaptation: Morocco is pushing desalination to cope with a hotter, drier climate cycle, aiming for 60% of drinking water from the ocean by 2030, while a major Casablanca-area plant highlights both the promise and the unresolved environmental and access questions. Environmental Justice: SONREP marks World Environment Day by arguing that environmental justice in Western Sahara is inseparable from self-determination, condemning ongoing exploitation of land and marine resources without Sahrawi consent. Diplomacy & Conflict Dynamics: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura’s planned visit to Tindouf (June 7–8) seeks conditions to restart negotiations, amid warnings that the long stalemate is raising risks across the Sahel and Sahara. Sahara Politics Abroad: A Kenyan parliamentary delegation reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, pointing to a growing international consensus and contrasting it with states backing the Polisario Front.