UN Decolonisation Push: The UN’s C24 heard calls in Managua for real steps toward ending the remaining non-self-governing territories’ colonial status, with the Virgin Islands urging UN “good offices” and visiting missions—an echo of the wider decolonisation agenda that also frames Western Sahara diplomacy. UN Envoy Meets Sahrawi Side: In Shaheed El Hafed, Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat met UN Secretary-General envoy Staffan de Mistura, alongside Polisario and MINURSO-linked officials, to press for a “just, fair, and transparent” path to Sahrawi self-determination. Leadership Loss in Polisario: The Polisario announced the death of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, a senior commander and son of the late Mohamed Abdelaziz, with reports of a drone strike after crossing Morocco’s defense wall still unverified. Human Rights Spotlight: The UN Committee Against Torture again found Morocco violating the rights of Sahrawi detainees linked to the 2010 Gdeim Izik camp protests, citing a consistent pattern of abuse and coerced confessions. Culture & Activism in Switzerland: Two documentaries on Sahrawi activists and imprisoned journalists screened at Bern’s Abolish Festival, with speakers urging an end to international silence. US Terror Designation Debate: US Senator Ted Cruz renewed calls to label Polisario a terrorist group, citing alleged Iran links and Gibraltar-linked maritime security concerns. Cocaine Smuggling Link: A report says a record 30+ tonne cocaine seizure off Western Sahara likely ties to Dutch trafficker “Bolle Jos,” pointing to a wider route via Morocco and the Canaries.