AGP Executive Report

Film & Activism in Zurich: Greta Thunberg backed the Sahrawi cause at the Zurich Film Festival, calling out international “hypocrisy” and urging people with platforms to take concrete action. She attended the world premiere of Patrick Wally’s documentary My Home of Wind and Sand, centered on Sahrawi activist Najla Mohamed Lamin, and linked Western Sahara to climate and social justice. Festival Backlash: A ZFF debate featuring Thunberg reportedly drew only 40 attendees despite 300 tickets being sold, with Thunberg blaming Morocco for “silencing” the Sahrawi cause. UN & Diplomacy: The U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz met a Polisario delegation, stressing Sahrawi refugees in Tindouf have “waited 50 years” and deserve “genuine alternatives.” Sahrawi Rights Pressure: A Sahrawi human rights commission urged the ICRC to intervene over nine political prisoners on open-ended hunger strike in Moroccan prisons. Politics & Identity in Spain: Spain’s Senate advanced a bill tied to nationality for Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, reshaping it into a civil-code reform with a two-year residence requirement. Morocco’s New PM: Morocco appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first woman prime minister, a historic shift after PAM’s election win.

Zurich Film Festival Spotlight: Climate activist Greta Thunberg surprised audiences in Zurich with a panel appearance tied to the documentary “My Home of Wind and Sand,” which follows Sahrawi activist Najla Mohamed Lamin and denounces Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara. U.N. Diplomacy Update: The Moroccan Sahara file is set to return to the UN Security Council in October, after a 2025 resolution elevated Morocco’s autonomy proposal while keeping self-determination language in play. U.S.-Polisario Outreach: U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz met a high-level Polisario delegation in New York, stressing Sahrawi refugees “have waited 50 years” and calling for genuine alternatives. Spain’s Sahrawi Nationality Push: Spain’s Senate Justice Commission backed a bill for Spanish nationality for Sahrawis tied to Spain-era administration, but narrowed it to a two-year residence requirement. Human Rights Pressure: The Sahrawi Human Rights Commission urged the ICRC to act over nine political prisoners on open-ended hunger strike in Moroccan custody. Pro-Palestine, Anti-Normalisation Protests: Moroccan cities saw demonstrations against Rabat’s deepening Israel ties, with reports of bans, dispersals, and detentions in some areas. Tindouf Camps Under Strain: UNHCR warned that conditions in the Tindouf camps are deteriorating and called the long-standing status quo “intolerable.” Arts & Culture Industry Move: Lightdox acquired world sales rights to “My Home of Wind and Sand” ahead of its Zurich premiere.

Zurich Film Festival Spotlight: Greta Thunberg surprised audiences at the premiere of “My Home of Wind and Sand,” a documentary on Sahrawi activist Najla Mohamed Lamin and Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara, calling out “betrayal” by both occupiers and the international solidarity movement. Spanish Nationality Push for Sahrawis: Spain’s Senate Justice Commission backed a bill for Spanish nationality for Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, but the PP rewrote it to a Civil Code reform with a two-year residence requirement. Human Rights Pressure: The Sahrawi National Human Rights Commission urged the ICRC to intervene over nine Sahrawi political prisoners from the Gdeim Izik group on open-ended hunger strike. Morocco–Israel Backlash: Pro-Palestine protests spread across Moroccan cities as Rabat deepened Israel ties, with reports of bans, dispersals, and arrests. Tindouf Camps Under Strain: UNHCR warned that conditions in the Tindouf camps are deteriorating and called the long-standing status quo “intolerable.” Local Arts & Culture Angle: Lightdox acquired world sales rights to the Zurich-bound documentary, boosting its global reach.

Film & Culture: Zurich Film Festival is spotlighting Sahrawi activism with the world premiere of My Home of Wind and Sand, a decade-in-the-making documentary on Najla Mohamed Lamin; Greta Thunberg is set to appear for the Western Sahara panel and a post-screening conversation. Human Rights: The Sahrawi National Human Rights Commission urges the ICRC to intervene over nine Gdeim Izik political prisoners on open-ended hunger strike, while Morocco’s prison authority rejects claims linking the strikes to detention conditions. Politics & Representation: Morocco’s pro-Palestine protests spread across cities as Rabat deepens Israel ties, with demonstrators demanding an end to normalization and reporting arrests after a planned Tangier rally was banned. Elections & Power: PAM won Morocco’s legislative vote with 97 seats amid low turnout, setting up coalition talks as the PJD rebounds to lead the opposition. Arts, Media & Visibility: Lightdox acquired world sales rights to the documentary ahead of its Zurich premiere, aiming to broaden global attention to Western Sahara’s lived realities.

Zurich Film Festival Spotlight: Climate activist Greta Thunberg is set to join a Western Sahara panel at the Zurich Film Festival, following the world premiere of My Home of Wind and Sand, a decade-long documentary on Sahrawi activist Najla Mohamed Lamin and her peaceful work amid renewed tensions. Human Rights Pressure: The Sahrawi National Human Rights Commission has urged the ICRC to intervene over nine Sahrawi political prisoners on open-ended hunger strike, calling for urgent visits, protection, and the release of prisoners. Prison Authority Response: Morocco’s prison administration rejected claims linking the Gdeim Izik hunger strikes to detention conditions, framing the action as politically driven. Culture Meets Politics: Lightdox acquired world sales rights to My Home of Wind and Sand, positioning the film for wider international reach. Regional Diplomacy: Algeria’s diplomatic rupture with the UAE and UN debate remarks by Ahmed Attaf keep Western Sahara in the spotlight as part of broader multilateral reform and regional crises. Morocco Election Watch: Morocco’s post-election coalition talks continue after PAM’s win and a surge by the PJD, while Sahrawi participation remains a key political signal.

Film & Culture: Lightdox acquired world sales rights to the documentary My Home of Wind and Sand, premiering at the Zurich Film Festival, following Sahrawi women’s rights and climate activist Najla Mohamed Lamin from a refugee camp in Algeria. Human Rights: The Sahrawi National Human Rights Commission urged the ICRC to act over nine Sahrawi political prisoners on open-ended hunger strike in Moroccan prisons, calling for visits, international access, and release. Occupied Western Sahara Politics: Morocco’s prison authority rejected claims that the Gdeim Izik hunger strike is tied to detention conditions, saying it’s driven by Polisario-linked politics ahead of a UN Security Council meeting. Diplomacy & UN: UNHCR warned that the Tindouf camps’ decades-long status quo is “intolerable,” pushing for free, voluntary choices—while Algeria’s UN envoy Ahmed Attaf called for UN reform and reiterated Algeria’s stances on Western Sahara. Regional Tensions: Algeria severed ties with the UAE, escalating a wider Maghreb and Sahel rivalry that also intersects with Morocco–Spain–Israel normalization debates. Arts & Entertainment in the Region: A wave of election and normalization coverage continues to shape public culture, from film premieres to media map controversies.

Film & Human Rights Spotlight: Lightdox acquired world sales rights to the documentary My Home of Wind and Sand, premiering at the Zurich Film Festival, following Sahrawi refugee camp-born activist Najla Mohamed Lamin and her fight for Western Sahara self-determination. Prisoners & Humanitarian Pressure: The Sahrawi National Human Rights Commission urged the ICRC to intervene after nine Sahrawi political prisoners from the Gdeim Izik group began an open-ended hunger strike, calling for urgent visits and unconditional release. Western Sahara Politics: Morocco’s prison authority rejected claims linking the Gdeim Izik hunger strike to detention conditions, saying the action is tied to a broader political campaign ahead of a UN Security Council meeting. Diplomacy & Recognition: Paraguay and Mauritius publicly backed Morocco’s Western Sahara sovereignty/autonomy framework at the UN, adding momentum to Rabat’s push for a UN-centered settlement. Arts, Culture & Identity: The Balearic Parliament condemned the death of three Sahrawi citizens in an attack attributed to Morocco and renewed support for dialogue, human rights, and self-determination.

Israel-Morocco Diplomacy: Morocco’s Jerusalem-linked normalization push is moving ahead as Rabat upgrades ties with Israel to ambassadorial level, with US-brokered talks and a renewed focus on defense and tech cooperation—while protests against the embassy upgrade continue. Western Sahara Stakes: The same diplomatic architecture is tied to US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, even as UN refugee chief Barham Salih calls the Tindouf status quo “intolerable” and warns camp conditions are worsening. Sahrawi Life & Culture: In the Tindouf camps, a Sahrawi pharmaceutical lab keeps producing essential medicines despite sand, shortages, and heat—described as “a rose in the desert,” built alongside schools and film and nursing institutions. Morocco Election & Media: Morocco’s PAM wins parliament with 97 seats amid low turnout, reshuffling the political scene; meanwhile, Al Jazeera faces backlash over a map line separating southern provinces in election coverage. Arts & Film: Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s “The Beloved” lands as a tense father-daughter reckoning, with closeups doing the emotional heavy lifting.

Morocco Election Watch: PAM won Morocco’s 2026 parliamentary vote with 97 of 395 seats, but turnout sank to about 38%, fueling talk of youth disengagement and harder coalition math as the king keeps foreign and defense policy in hand. Western Sahara Politics: Sahrawi officials and UN voices keep pressing that “occupied” elections won’t change the conflict’s equation, while UNHCR warns Tindouf camps’ decades-long status quo is “intolerable.” Diplomacy & Pressure: Massad Boulos’ remarks on France 24 spotlight Polisario obstruction as talks stall, as Rabat continues to court new international backing for its autonomy framework. Humanitarian & Rights: UNHCR says camp conditions are worsening and humanitarian needs remain underfunded; meanwhile Morocco’s prison authority rejects claims linking Gdeim Izik hunger strikes to detention conditions. Arts & Culture Lens: In film coverage, Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s “The Beloved” lands as a tense father-daughter reckoning—an emotional counterpoint to the week’s political strain. Media & Reputation: A dispute between Moroccan analyst Samir Bennis and Taleb Alisalem escalates into legal action after alleged threats during a televised debate.

Desert-Rose Medicine: In Tindouf camps, the Mohamed Embarek Fakal·la pharmaceutical lab keeps producing paracetamol, ibuprofen, eye drops, serums and antibiotics despite sand, shortages and heat—run by 11 Sahrawi technicians at Bachir Saleh National Hospital. UN Refugee Warning: UNHCR chief Barham Salih told the Security Council that the half-century Tindouf status quo is “intolerable,” with worsening conditions and underfunded humanitarian needs. Ceuta, Trust and Pressure: Coverage of the July crossings frames Ceuta as a test of Europe’s border trust—while the Western Sahara dispute and EU-Morocco leverage keep surfacing in the debate. Western Sahara Rights at Home: Spain’s Balearic Parliament condemned the death of three Sahrawi citizens in an attack attributed to Morocco, renewing calls for a UN-led, rights-based solution. Morocco Election Ripples: Morocco’s PAM won 97 seats (low turnout at 38%), with the PJD rebounding to lead the opposition—while Sahrawi officials dismiss the “theater” of elections in occupied areas. Diplomacy Momentum: Paraguay and Mauritius backed Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy under Rabat’s sovereignty at the UN, adding to the growing diplomatic push.

Morocco Election Watch: The palace-linked Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) won Morocco’s 2026 parliamentary vote with 97 of 395 seats, while the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) surged back to lead the opposition with 54 seats; turnout slid to about 38%, and coalition talks are set to follow as the king chooses the prime minister from PAM. Western Sahara Politics: Morocco’s “elections” in occupied Sahrawi areas were dismissed by Sahrawi officials as a long-running “theater” that won’t change the conflict’s equation, while Morocco’s prison authority rejected claims tying the Gdeim Izik hunger strike to detention conditions. Diplomatic Momentum: Paraguay and Mauritius both reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy framework at the UN, adding to Rabat’s push for UN-backed settlement terms. Arts & Culture: Spanish director Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s The Beloved is drawing attention for its intense father-daughter drama, with Javier Bardem at the center of the emotional, close-quarters reckoning.

Western Sahara Environment & Rights: Sahrawi officials and researchers unveiled “Plunder Footprint,” a new report from the Sahrawi Observatory for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, arguing that resource extraction in Western Sahara carries a wider environmental bill—through extraction, transport, processing, storage and export—while warning that Morocco’s military wall, landmines and explosive remnants also fragment ecosystems, disrupt water flows and threaten livelihoods. UN & Diplomacy: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah used the UN General Assembly to call for a woman to become UN Secretary-General and backed a UN-backed referendum in Western Sahara, alongside broader conflict-focused appeals. Morocco Politics With Sahara Echoes: Morocco’s parliamentary election results showed PAM leading with 97 seats amid low turnout, while Sahrawi officials dismissed the inclusion of occupied cities as “theater” that won’t change the conflict’s equation. Regional Solidarity: Spain’s Balearic Parliament condemned the killing of Sahrawi citizens in an attack attributed to Morocco and renewed calls for a peaceful, UN-led path based on self-determination and human rights. Ceuta/Media Tensions: In Spain, Moroccan analyst Samir Bennis said he will pursue legal action after allegations made by Taleb Alisalem following a televised debate.

Western Sahara Environment & Rights: Sahrawi experts unveiled “Plunder Footprint,” warning that resource extraction in Western Sahara brings ecosystem damage that can be irreversible, with the Moroccan wall, landmines, and explosive remnants also harming wildlife routes, water flows, and livelihoods. Occupied Territories Politics: The Balearic Parliament condemned the deaths of three Sahrawi citizens in an attack attributed to Morocco, reaffirming support for human rights and Sahrawi self-determination under UN resolutions. Diplomacy Watch: Paraguay and Mauritius both moved to back Morocco’s Western Sahara sovereignty line, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and calling autonomy the most credible path. Morocco Election Aftermath (Ceuta/Western Sahara angle): Morocco’s legislative vote delivered PAM 97 seats (38% turnout), while the PJD surged to 54; meanwhile, officials framed the “theater” of elections in occupied Western Sahara as unable to change Sahrawi will. Media & Culture: Al Jazeera faced criticism over a Morocco election map that appeared to separate southern provinces, reigniting debate over how Western Sahara is represented.

UN Leadership & Western Sahara Diplomacy: UN chief António Guterres’ exit talk is back in focus as UN reform debates intensify, with Namibia President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urging a woman to lead the UN and backing a UN-backed referendum on Western Sahara. Sahrawi Rights & Regional Solidarity: The Balearic Parliament condemned the killing of Sahrawi citizens in an attack attributed to Morocco, renewing calls for a peaceful, UN-led solution grounded in self-determination and human rights. MINURSO Update: MINURSO in Laayoune welcomed new Force Commander Major General Jawwad Ahmed, signaling continuity in the mission’s push for peace under UN Charter principles. Western Sahara Environment & Culture of Resistance: Sahrawi groups unveiled “Plunder Footprint,” warning that resource extraction, military infrastructure, landmines, and explosive remnants are driving environmental harm that may be irreversible—an issue that also shapes daily life and livelihoods. Morocco’s Election Fallout (Arts-adjacent politics): Morocco’s legislative vote produced PAM’s 97-seat win amid low turnout, while Sahrawi officials dismissed the inclusion of occupied cities as “theater” that won’t change the conflict’s equation. International Moves: Paraguay and Mauritius reiterated support for Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy framework at the UN, adding diplomatic momentum for Rabat’s position. Film Spotlight: Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s “The Beloved” is drawing attention for its intense father-daughter reckoning—another reminder of how personal narratives keep dominating global screens.

Human Rights & Solidarity: The Balearic Parliament approved a formal condemnation over the death of three Sahrawi citizens in an attack attributed to Morocco, including Lehbib Mohamed Abdelaziz, son of former Polisario president Mohamed Abdelaziz, and renewed calls for dialogue, UN-led solutions, and Sahrawi self-determination. Detention & Gdeim Izik: Morocco’s prison authority rejected claims linking Gdeim Izik hunger strikes to detention conditions, saying the action is driven by a wider political context tied to the Western Sahara dispute and an upcoming UN Security Council meeting. UN Leadership & Western Sahara: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the UN to elect a woman as Secretary-General and backed a UN referendum in Western Sahara, placing gender equality and conflict-focused UN reform at the center of her UN General Assembly remarks. Diplomacy Momentum: Paraguay and Mauritius both reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty framework, endorsing autonomy under Moroccan rule and pointing to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 as a turning point. Media & Maps: Al Jazeera faced criticism after a Morocco election map appeared to visually separate southern provinces, sparking backlash on how Western Sahara is represented. Environment & Culture of Resistance: Sahrawi groups unveiled “Plunder Footprint,” warning that resource exploitation in Western Sahara—and the military wall, landmines, and explosive remnants—can cause irreversible environmental damage affecting livelihoods. Arts & Film: Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s “The Beloved” drew major attention at the Sarajevo Film Festival for its tense psychological storytelling and star-led performances.

Occupied Western Sahara Politics: Morocco’s Minister of Occupied Territories and Sahrawi Diaspora Affairs, Mohamed Mami Al-Tamk, says elections staged in occupied Sahrawi cities are “theater” that won’t change the Sahrawi will, while siege conditions help conceal abuses against unarmed civilians. Diplomatic Momentum: Morocco keeps scoring UN-floor wins as Paraguay and Mauritius back Rabat’s Western Sahara autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and pushing for resolutions aligned with the autonomy framework. Election Coverage Controversy: Al Jazeera faces criticism over a “competition map” used in its election coverage that appears to draw a line separating southern provinces from the rest of Morocco. MINURSO Update: MINURSO in Laayoune welcomed new Force Commander Major General Jawwad Ahmed, as the mission reiterates its commitment to peace under UN Charter principles. Environment & Culture of Resistance: Sahrawi researchers and officials unveil “Plunder Footprint,” warning that resource extraction, military infrastructure, landmines, and explosive remnants in Western Sahara can cause potentially irreversible environmental damage.