AGP Executive Report

Documentary & Human Rights Spotlight: Switzerland’s Abolish Festival in Bern screened “Three Stolen Cameras” and “a Memory that Refuses to Surrender,” focusing on Sahrawi activists and journalists imprisoned in Moroccan jails, with Polisario and media representatives joining a Q&A. UN Accountability: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp protest, citing a consistent pattern of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and coerced confessions. US Congress Pressure: Republican Senator Ted Cruz renewed calls to label the Polisario Front a terrorist organization, arguing alleged Iran ties threaten maritime security near Gibraltar. Corporate Ties to Occupation: Heidelberg Materials said it supplied cement and concrete for major infrastructure in occupied Western Sahara, including ports at El Aaiún and Dakhla Atlantique, raising fresh concerns about business support for Morocco’s control. Media Coverage in Europe: Slovenian TV aired a special interview with ISACOM president Aminatou Haidar, highlighting rights abuses and the case for self-determination. Regional Tensions & Mining: A Mauritanian miners’ coalition denied claims that Mauritanian prospectors were targeted in a Morocco-linked drone strike, saying reports misidentified the victims and could inflame relations.

Human Rights & Justice: The UN Committee Against Torture says Morocco is violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protest, citing a “consistent pattern” of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and coerced confessions. International Solidarity: Frente POLISARIO UN representative Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar reports strong backing for the Sahrawi self-determination cause at the UN C-24 regional seminar in Managua, with countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean calling for the referendum to be expedited. Press Freedom on Screen: Switzerland’s Abolish Festival in Bern screened two documentaries on Sahrawi activists in occupied territories—“Three Stolen Cameras” and “a Memory that Refuses to Surrender”—highlighting imprisonment, suffering of families, and the silence critics say enables abuses. Corporate Accountability: Heidelberg Materials says it supplied construction materials and produced nearly 600,000 tonnes of cement in occupied Western Sahara in 2025, raising fresh concerns about business ties to Morocco’s consolidation of the territory. US Politics & Security Claims: US Senator Ted Cruz renews calls to label Polisario a terrorist organization, arguing Iran-backed links could threaten maritime security near the Strait of Gibraltar. Media Spotlight: Slovenian TV featured Sahrawi human rights defender Aminatou Haidar in an interview on the occupied territories and refugee camps, urging EU support for self-determination.

Diplomacy & Power Shifts: A new analysis argues Algeria hasn’t changed its goal on Western Sahara—it’s just redeploying its focus to the Sahel and West Africa, chasing control of key routes and energy/logistics corridors. Franco-Moroccan Deal: Morocco and France are finalising a long-term “Friendship Treaty,” framed as a modern, equal partnership—while also tying into broader support for Morocco’s Western Sahara posture. Human Rights on Screen: In Bern, two documentaries on Sahrawi activists—“Three Stolen Cameras” and “a Memory that Refuses to Surrender”—were screened at the Abolish Festival, spotlighting imprisonment, family suffering, and calls for international action. Torture Findings: The UN Committee Against Torture again says Morocco violates the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protest, citing arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture/ill-treatment, and coerced confessions. UN Support for Self-Determination: A Frente POLISARIO UN representative says the C-24 regional seminar in Managua drew strong backing from countries across continents for Sahrawi self-determination and an expedited referendum. Terror Designations Debate: US Senator Ted Cruz renewed calls to label Polisario a terrorist group, linking it to Iran and warning about threats to maritime security near Gibraltar. Industry Tied to Occupation: Heidelberg Materials says it supplied cement and concrete for major infrastructure in occupied El Aaiún and Dakhla, with production rising in 2025—raising fresh concerns about business support for occupation. Media Spotlight in Slovenia: Slovenian TV ran a special interview with ISACOM president Aminatou Haidar, focusing on rights abuses in occupied territories and in refugee camps, plus EU responsibility.

Documentary Spotlight in Switzerland: At Bern’s Abolish Festival, two films—Three Stolen Cameras and a Memory that Refuses to Surrender—highlighted Sahrawi activists’ suffering in Moroccan prisons, with Polisario representative Saeed M’hamed Saeed and media coordinator Mohamed Mayara speaking to audiences. Human Rights Update: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the Gdeim Izik protest, citing arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and confessions taken under duress. US Pressure on Polisario: Republican Senator Ted Cruz renewed calls to label the Polisario a terrorist organization, arguing ties to Iran threaten maritime security near Gibraltar. Diplomacy & UN Decolonization: UN C-24 seminar coverage featured Frente POLISARIO UN representative Sidi Mohamed Omar saying the Sahrawi cause drew strong international support and urging a referendum push. Corporate Footprint: Heidelberg Materials acknowledged supplying cement and concrete for major infrastructure in occupied Western Sahara, including port projects in El Aaiún and Dakhla.

Franco-Moroccan Diplomacy: Morocco and France are finalising a new “Friendship Treaty” to replace the 1955 La Celle-Saint-Cloud deal, with a stronger focus on economy, military industry cooperation, Francophonie ties, and continued backing for Morocco’s Western Sahara position. Sahrawi Voices in Film: Two documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisoned journalists, “Three Stolen Cameras” and “a Memory that Refuses to Surrender,” screened at Bern’s Abolish Festival, featuring Polisario representation and sharp criticism of international silence. UN Rights Watch: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the Gdeim Izik protest, citing a consistent pattern of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and coerced confessions. UN Decolonisation Politics: Morocco told the UN decolonization panel the Sahara file is “anachronistic” after Security Council shifts, while Frente POLISARIO representatives reported strong C-24 seminar support for self-determination. Corporate Footprint: Heidelberg Materials acknowledged supplying construction materials for major infrastructure in occupied Western Sahara, including El Aaiún and Dakhla Atlantique, raising fresh concerns about business entanglement with occupation. US Terror Designation Push: Senator Ted Cruz renewed claims that the Polisario is an Iran-backed proxy and urged terrorist designation, framing the group as “more violent than ever.” Media Spotlight: Slovenian TV highlighted the Sahrawi issue via an interview with Aminatou Haidar of ISACOM, calling out EU support for Morocco and urging solidarity.

Franco-Moroccan Arts & Diplomacy: Morocco and France are finalising a new “Friendship Treaty” to replace the 1955 La Celle-Saint-Cloud deal, aiming for a more equal, long-term partnership spanning economy, security, Francophonie culture, and strategy—including stated support for the Western Sahara plan. Human Rights on Screen: In Bern, Switzerland, the Abolish Festival screened two documentaries on Sahrawi activists in occupied Western Sahara—“Three Stolen Cameras” and “a Memory that Refuses to Surrender”—highlighting imprisoned journalists and activists, plus the toll on their families. UN Pressure, Sahrawi Voices: A UN C-24 regional seminar in Managua drew renewed support for Sahrawi self-determination, with Frente POLISARIO UN representatives saying member states across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean backed a referendum. Prison Abuse Findings: The UN Committee Against Torture again reported a consistent pattern of abuse against Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp protests, including solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and coerced confessions. Diplomatic Pushback: Morocco told the UN decolonization panel the Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing the Security Council has taken over after Resolution 2797.

Human Rights Watch: The UN Committee Against Torture says Morocco is violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees tied to the 2010 Gdeim Izik protests, citing a “consistent pattern” of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and coerced confessions. Self-Determination Spotlight: Frente POLISARIO’s UN representative says the C-24 decolonization seminar in Managua drew strong, cross-regional backing for Sahrawi self-determination and calls for expediting the referendum. Diplomacy & Culture on the Move: Slovenian TV aired a special interview with ISACOM president Aminatou Haidar, bringing Western Sahara’s human rights situation and EU responsibility into the spotlight. UN Decolonization Clash: Morocco tells the UN decolonization panel to drop the Sahara file, arguing Security Council shifts and its autonomy plan should take over the process. Politics Beyond the Region: US Sen. Ted Cruz renews claims that the Polisario is an Iran-backed proxy and urges terrorist designation. Arts & Media Note: A University Archives online auction (June 17) highlights rare autographs and manuscripts, including items tied to major global figures.

US–Polisario Terror Label: Texas Senator Ted Cruz says the Polisario is “a puppet” of Iran and urges it be designated a terrorist organisation, citing its 5 May attack on civilians in Esmara and calling the fire “indiscriminate.” Human Rights Watch: The UN Committee Against Torture again finds Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp protests, describing a pattern of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and coerced confessions. UN Decolonization Push: Frente POLISARIO UN representative Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar says the C-24 seminar in Managua drew strong international support for Sahrawi self-determination and calls for expediting a referendum. Media Spotlight: Slovenian TV aired a major segment on the Sahrawi issue via an interview with ISACOM president Aminatou Haidar, highlighting rights abuses in occupied territories and in refugee camps. Diplomacy & Sahara File: Morocco tells the UN decolonization panel to drop the Sahara file, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy plan should take the lead.

Human Rights Watch: The UN Committee Against Torture says Morocco is violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp protests, citing a “consistent pattern” of arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, torture or ill-treatment, and coerced confessions used in court. UN Decolonization Spotlight: Frente POLISARIO’s UN representative says Sahrawi self-determination drew strong backing at the C-24 regional seminar in Managua, with multiple countries urging the UN to expedite a referendum. Diplomatic Pushback: Morocco tells the UN decolonization panel the Sahara file is “anachronistic,” arguing the Security Council now leads after Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy plan is the only credible basis for a final settlement. Media Coverage: Slovenian TV aired an interview with ISACOM president Aminatou Haidar, highlighting rights abuses in occupied Western Sahara and calling for EU responsibility in prolonging the conflict.

C-24 Decolonization Update: Frente POLISARIO UN representative Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar says the annual C-24 regional seminar in Managua drew strong, cross-continental backing for Sahrawi self-determination, with calls to expedite a referendum. Occupied Sahrawi Rights in Focus: Slovenian TV UPULS aired a major interview with Aminatou Haidar (ISACOM), spotlighting alleged human rights abuses in occupied Western Sahara and the refugee camps, plus EU responsibility for prolonging the conflict. UN Agenda Fight: Morocco’s UN envoy Omar Hilale argued the Sahara file is “anachronistic” on the C-24 agenda, pointing to Security Council Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy plan as the only credible path. Diplomacy & Culture Spillover: A Rabat–Abu Dhabi meeting framed as strengthening the Atlantic-Gulf axis underscores how regional security priorities keep reshaping the wider Western Sahara conversation. Arts/Media Angle: A Slovenian broadcast and broader international media attention show the Sahrawi cause continuing to travel through interviews and public programming, not just diplomacy.

Sahrawi Spotlight in Europe: Slovenian TV devoted a May 30 segment to the Sahrawi issue via an interview with Aminatou Haidar, president of ISACOM, where she described rights abuses in occupied Western Sahara and the refugee camps and urged stronger EU solidarity. UN Decolonization Clash: Morocco told the UN C24 panel the Sahara file is “anachronistic,” arguing Resolution 2797 shifts the process to the Security Council and backs Rabat’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. Franco-Moroccan Arts-Adjacent Diplomacy: A report on a “Partnership of Excellence” frames a new strategic phase after France’s support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, with 2026 set for a major bilateral treaty. Sports & Culture Watch: A World Cup preview notes Morocco’s coaching shake-up ahead of the tournament, with Mohamed Ouahbi replacing Walid Regragui and a tactical shift expected for the Atlas Lions. Regional Human Rights Echo: A separate piece highlights the Polisario’s denial of history as “geographical realities” tighten, keeping the narrative fight central to the week’s coverage. Global Media Lens: A press-freedom map for 2026 flags a worsening worldwide climate for journalists, with the global situation at a 25-year low.

Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization panel C24 that keeping the Sahara “anachronistic” and said the Security Council’s shift under Resolution 2797 should end the General Assembly track, framing Rabat’s autonomy plan as the only credible basis for a final settlement. Sahrawi Media Spotlight: Slovenia’s UPULS aired a special interview with Sahrawi human rights defender Aminatou Haidar of ISACOM, highlighting alleged rights abuses in occupied Western Sahara and in refugee camps, and urging EU solidarity. Cultural-Political Context: A new analysis on Morocco’s historiography argues the country’s identity was shaped through Amazigh, Arab, Andalusian, African and European currents—useful background as the Sahara narrative keeps being reframed. Arts & Collectibles: University Archives’ June 17 online-only auction includes rare signed items tied to major historical figures (including Ayn Rand and Lenin), a reminder of how archives and celebrity authorship keep feeding public culture.

Sahrawi Spotlight in Europe: Slovenian TV aired a major interview with Sahrawi human rights defender Aminatou Haidar, urging solidarity with people in occupied Western Sahara and refugee camps and pointing to EU support for Morocco as a key factor. UN Decolonization Clash: Morocco told the UN C24 that the Sahara file is “anachronistic,” arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has shifted the process toward Morocco’s autonomy plan. Travel, Territory, and Culture: A report notes Dakhla’s growing visibility as a flight destination, while reminding readers it remains at the center of the SADR–Morocco territorial dispute. Arts & Media Context: A wider “press freedom in 2026” map highlights worsening conditions for independent journalism worldwide—an issue that resonates for Sahrawi voices seeking coverage. World News That Touches the Region: Coverage also flags how Atlantic weather systems can form near the western Sahara, a reminder of how the region’s environment shapes daily life and planning.

Sahrawi Cause in Focus: Slovenian TV program UPULS ran a major interview with Sahrawi human rights defender Aminatou Haidar (ISACOM), spotlighting alleged abuses in occupied Western Sahara and in refugee camps, and urging EU-backed solidarity for self-determination. UN Decolonization Clash: Morocco told the UN C24 panel the Sahara file should be dropped as “anachronistic,” arguing UN Security Council Resolution 2797 has shifted the process toward Morocco’s autonomy plan. Travel & Culture Crossroads: A reported tourism surge in Morocco-controlled Western Sahara—driven by new European routes to Dakhla and rising hotel investment—has sparked debate over international law and corporate responsibility. Livestock Festival Politics: Morocco’s Eid al-Adha sheep-price crisis reignited parliamentary fights over stalled inquiries and alleged market profiteering, with state support and import exemptions under scrutiny. Franco-Moroccan Spotlight: Coverage of a “Partnership of Excellence” and a historic France–Morocco treaty frames 2026 as a turning point for cooperation tied to Western Sahara sovereignty. Global Arts/Media Note: A Slovenian interview and a separate University Archives online auction (including signed works by Ayn Rand, Lenin, and MLK) show how Western Sahara-related attention is spreading through media and cultural channels.

Tourism & Culture: Tourist arrivals to Morocco-controlled Western Sahara jumped over 50% since 2019, helped by new European routes—Ryanair’s Madrid/Lanzarote links to Dakhla and expanded Transavia, plus hotel and resort investment—turning the disputed desert into a fast-rising “hidden gem,” while also sparking fresh debate over international law and corporate responsibility. Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization panel (C24) to drop the Sahara file as “anachronistic,” arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has shifted the process toward its autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. Narratives & Politics: A new analysis of King Mohammed VI’s “discursive reframings” argues royal messaging has moved the Sahara dispute from defensive rhetoric to a proactive narrative strategy aimed at legitimacy and a pragmatic settlement. Press Freedom: A global map from RSF’s 2026 World Press Freedom Index reports press freedom at a 25-year low, with most countries now in “difficult” or “very serious” categories—an arts-and-media concern for the region’s creative voices. Desertification Lens: A feature on desertification warns the Sahara is expanding southward, reframing the issue as a human-driven ecological and cultural threat rather than a distant natural process.

Press Freedom: Reporters Without Borders says global press freedom hit a 25-year low in 2026, with over half of countries now rated “difficult” or “very serious,” and the U.S. slipping to 64th. Western Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization panel the Sahara file is “anachronistic,” arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has shifted the process toward its autonomy plan. Tourism & Culture: Morocco-controlled Western Sahara tourism keeps climbing, with arrivals up more than 50% since 2019 as new European routes and hotel investment boost Dakhla. Arts & Collectibles: A rare moon rock found in Morocco’s Western Sahara is set for auction in Lyon & Turnbull’s capital sale. Football & Reconciliation: King Mohammed VI granted a royal pardon to 18 Senegalese AFCON supporters, a move framed as humanitarian and aimed at easing tensions. Sports Media: A campaign continues to free jailed French football journalist Christophe Gleizes in Algeria.