AGP Executive Report

Franco-Moroccan Diplomacy: Morocco and France are finalising a new Friendship Treaty to replace the 1955 La Celle-Saint-Cloud Agreement, aiming for a “peer-to-peer” relationship and a modern bilateral architecture. Western Sahara Focus: The draft treaty is also framed around continued French support for Morocco’s Western Sahara plan, with an official signing expected later this year. Gulf-Morocco Development Link: A separate report highlights deepening Gulf ties, including Gulf investment in infrastructure, tourism, logistics and energy, plus since 2020 political support for Morocco’s autonomy plan; it notes UAE and Bahrain consulates opened in Laayoune and Dakhla. Regional Security Narrative: Commentary pieces debate the Abraham Accords’ real purpose and whether they can be sold as a peace project, while another column argues Israel is unfairly singled out in modern boycott campaigns. Peacekeeping Spotlight: UN peacekeeping coverage points to Nepal’s June 1 commemorations and the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal for fallen peacekeepers, alongside an example from CAR where UN mediation helped return displaced families.

Franco-Moroccan Diplomacy: Morocco and France are finalising a new “Friendship Treaty” to replace the 1955 La Celle-Saint-Cloud deal, aiming for a more equal, peer-to-peer relationship across economy, security, culture, and geopolitics—including continued support for the Western Sahara plan. Western Sahara at the UN: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee (C24) that the Sahara file should no longer sit on the General Assembly agenda, arguing that UN Security Council work under Resolution 2797 now leads the track toward a settlement based on Morocco’s autonomy plan. Regional Tech & Security Context: A separate analysis frames the broader Middle East diplomatic shift around the Abraham Accords as strategic and transactional—relevant to how regional partnerships may shape future security cooperation and investment flows.

Franco-Moroccan Diplomacy: Morocco and France are finalising a new Friendship Treaty to replace the 1955 La Celle-Saint-Cloud deal, aiming for a more “peer-to-peer” relationship across economy, security, culture and strategy, including continued support for Morocco’s Western Sahara approach. Western Sahara at the UN: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee (C24) that the Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has shifted the process toward a political settlement based on Morocco’s autonomy plan under Rabat’s sovereignty. Regional Partnerships: A separate report highlights Morocco’s deepening ties with Gulf states—backed by investment and consular openings in Laayoune and Dakhla—as a key factor in stability and development, framed around support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal.

Franco-Moroccan Diplomacy: Morocco and France are finalising a new Friendship Treaty to replace the 1955 La Celle-Saint-Cloud deal, aiming for a more “peer-to-peer” relationship across economy, security, culture and strategy, with Western Sahara support highlighted as part of the roadmap. UN Decolonization Track: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee (C24) that the Sahara file is no longer for the General Assembly agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has shifted the process toward a political settlement based on Morocco’s autonomy plan. Regional Power Shifts: A separate report on the arrival of France’s new ambassador to Rabat, Philippe Lalliot, frames the move as a reset in bilateral momentum—linking it to investment, infrastructure and long-term regional influence.

Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee (C24) that the Western Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing UN Security Council Resolution 2797 has shifted the process toward a political settlement under Morocco’s autonomy plan, with the Council “charting the path” after the UN’s personal envoy work and U.S. support. Regional Tech & Development Ties: A new Morocco–Gulf partnership push highlights Gulf investment in infrastructure, tourism, logistics and energy, and notes that UAE and Bahrain consulates have opened in Laayoune and Dakhla—framing the Sahara as a key condition for the cooperation. Peacekeeping Spotlight: Nepal marked UN Peacekeepers Day with ceremonies and UN medal announcements for Nepali personnel, while another report points to UN mission work in Central African Republic border areas, where peacekeepers helped enable a local agreement and the return of displaced families. Foreign Policy Funding Reality Check: South Africa’s foreign policy budget debate flags a gap between diplomatic ambitions and staffing shortages, with the ministry’s vacancy rate and modest growth undercutting plans.

UN Decolonization & Western Sahara: Morocco told the UN C24 that the Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Resolution 2797 and Security Council-led talks now make the issue “anachronistic,” with Rabat pointing to its autonomy plan as the only credible basis. Franco-Moroccan Diplomacy: France’s new ambassador to Rabat, Philippe Lalliot, formally began his post, signaling a push to reset ties after earlier visa and dialogue freezes—while the Sahara remains a key factor in the strategic agenda. Regional Tech & Research Links (Bridge to Africa): Tifariti University joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, bringing together researchers and institutions to plan cooperation on sustainable development, health, energy use, and education. Peacekeeping Spotlight: Nepal marked UN Peacekeepers Day with ceremonies and medal announcements, underscoring how UN missions support local ceasefires and protect displaced communities. Abraham Accords Debate: Multiple commentaries revisit how Trump is pressing Middle East partners to join the Abraham Accords as part of any US-Iran deal—raising fresh questions about regional trust and the role of normalization in broader security.

Sahara Diplomacy Shift: Morocco told the UN decolonization panel (C24) that the Western Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has moved the dispute toward a settlement based on Rabat’s autonomy plan. France–Rabat Reset: Paris and Rabat signaled a new strategic phase as France’s new ambassador Philippe Lalliot formally took up his post, with the Sahara factor framed as part of a broader bilateral roadmap. Gulf–Morocco Investment Angle: A report highlights how Gulf states’ support and investment—plus consulates opened in Laayoune and Dakhla—are presented as consolidating Morocco’s role as a gateway to Atlantic Africa. Regional Tech/Education Link: The University of Tifariti joined the second “Bridge to Africa” program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, aiming to build research and sustainable-development cooperation between African and Canary universities. UN Peacekeeping Spotlight: Nepal marked UN Peacekeepers Day, with ceremonies honoring Nepali personnel and underscoring UN missions’ role in protecting civilians and enabling local peace deals. Abraham Accords Debate: Multiple commentaries argue Trump’s push to expand the Abraham Accords is driven by political needs and faces a Middle East that no longer trusts the US.

Desertification Watch: A new UN report says more than three-quarters of the world’s land has become permanently drier since 1996, with the Sahara expanding by about a million square kilometres over the past century—pushing south into Sahel drylands. Diplomatic Shift (France–Morocco): France’s new ambassador Philippe Lalliot formally starts an ambitious roadmap after years of strained ties, with the “Sahara factor” framed as central to reshaping regional balance. UN Decolonization Update: Morocco tells the UN C24 that the Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has moved the process toward a settlement based on Rabat’s autonomy plan. Africa Research Link: Tifariti’s University joins the second “Bridge to Africa” program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, aiming to build joint strategies across research, environment, education, and sustainable development. Peacekeeping Spotlight: Nepal marks UN Peacekeepers Day, highlighting Nepali personnel honored for service and sacrifice, as UN missions continue supporting local ceasefires and aid delivery. Regional Accords Debate: Commentary and analysis continue around the Abraham Accords—some argue they’re a strategic diversion rather than a path to peace, while others question why Israel-focused boycotts dominate global attention.

Desertification & Climate Risk: A new UN-linked report warns that more than three-quarters of the world’s land has become permanently drier since 1996, with the Sahara expanding by about a million square kilometres over the past century—pushing further into the Sahel and threatening dryland communities. Western Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee (C24) that the Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council changes and Resolution 2797 shift the process toward a settlement based on Morocco’s autonomy plan. Morocco–Gulf Tech & Investment Links: Coverage highlights how Gulf states’ investment and support—plus consulates opened in Laayoune and Dakhla—are framed as strengthening Morocco’s role as a gateway to Atlantic Africa. Academia & Research Exchange: The University of Tifariti joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, bringing together researchers and policymakers on sustainable development, health, energy, and education. UN Peacekeeping Spotlight: Nepal marked UN Peacekeepers Day, while another report points to how UN missions can stabilize border towns and help displaced families return home.

Desertification Watch: A new UN-linked analysis warns the Sahara is expanding fast, with drylands spreading and the Sahel facing growing pressure as desertification advances southward. UN Peacekeeping Spotlight: A UN peacekeeping feature highlights how Minusca’s local base in CAR helped broker a peace deal and return nearly all displaced families after Sudan spillover tensions. Morocco–UN Decolonization: Morocco told the UN C24 that the Western Sahara “Sahara file” should be dropped from the decolonization agenda, arguing Security Council moves now anchor talks around Rabat’s autonomy plan. Gulf–Morocco Tech & Investment Angle: Coverage notes Gulf support since 2020, including consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla, framing Laayoune as a hub for infrastructure, logistics, tourism, and energy cooperation. Franco-Moroccan Treaty: A report says Rabat and Paris are moving toward a major 2026 treaty under a “Partnership of Excellence,” aiming to deepen cooperation in education, high tech, health, and security. Abraham Accords Backlash: Multiple commentaries and reports say Trump is pushing more Middle East states to normalise with Israel, while Pakistan and others reject the idea—raising new uncertainty for regional diplomacy. Africa Academic Links: The “Bridge to Africa” program opened at the University of Las Palmas, with a delegation from Tifariti, focusing on research, environment, green economy, and sustainable development.

UN Peacekeeping & Climate Context: Nepal marked the International Day of UN Peacekeepers with ceremonies in Kavrepalanchok, highlighting Nepali troops honoured after deaths in missions abroad, while a separate global piece warns desertification is pushing the Sahara southward and making drylands “permanently drier,” with UN data pointing to major land loss across the last century. Western Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization committee (C24) the Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 shifts the process toward a settlement based on Morocco’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. Regional Tech/Academia Link: The University of Tifariti joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, aiming to boost university cooperation on research, environment, green economy, and sustainable development. Middle East Normalisation Pressure: Multiple reports revisit the Abraham Accords debate, including Trump’s push for more Middle Eastern states to normalise with Israel amid Iran talks, plus Pakistan’s rejection of joining any accord without a Palestinian state.

UN Decolonization Update: Morocco told the UN decolonization panel the Sahara file should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 has shifted the process toward a political settlement based on Rabat’s autonomy plan. Regional Tech & Investment Link: A new Morocco–Gulf partnership push highlights Gulf investment in infrastructure, tourism, logistics, and energy, with support since 2020 for Morocco’s autonomy approach and consulates opening in Laayoune and Dakhla. Science & Environment Lens: A new report warns desertification is accelerating, saying the Sahara has expanded by about a million square kilometres over the last century and is pushing south into the Sahel—raising stakes for climate resilience and land management. Academic Exchange: Tifariti University joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, aiming to build research and sustainable-development cooperation between African universities and the Canaries. Global Space for Collectors: University Archives’ June 17 online auction spotlights rare signed science and history items, including a Nature offprint signed by Francis Crick and meteorite lots.

Desertification Watch: A new UN-linked analysis warns the Sahara is expanding southward, with over three-quarters of land reported as “permanently drier” since 1996—raising fresh alarms for the Sahel and nearby ecosystems. Western Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco told the UN decolonization panel (C24) to drop the “Sahara file,” arguing Security Council changes and Resolution 2797 shift the process toward talks centered on Rabat’s autonomy plan. Regional Politics & Tech Links: A University of Tifariti delegation joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, focusing on research, environment, education, and sustainable development partnerships. Africa Day Policy Push: African Union leaders marked Africa Day with calls for economic sovereignty, stronger political influence, and UN Security Council reform. Geopolitics Spillover: Multiple commentaries revisit Trump’s push to expand the Abraham Accords amid Middle East skepticism, with Pakistan publicly rejecting any move that conflicts with its stance on Israel and a Palestinian state.

Green Hydrogen Economics: A new techno-economic study using solar and wind finds Morocco’s Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra can produce green hydrogen at lower costs than northern regions—Dakhla at about $5.42/kg and Laayoune at about $5.57/kg, with solar-heavy energy mixes driving the advantage. Space & Minerals: A rare lunar rock (446g) reportedly found in Morocco’s Western Sahara in 2022 is set for auction in London, with experts suggesting it may originate from ancient lunar highlands. UN Decolonization Politics: Morocco told the UN decolonization panel (C24) that the Western Sahara “file” should be dropped from its agenda, arguing the Security Council has taken the lead after Resolution 2797 and that Rabat’s autonomy plan is the only credible basis for settlement. Africa Day Tech-Policy Angle: African Union leaders marked Africa Day with renewed calls for economic sovereignty, UN Security Council reform, and stronger climate, food security, and sustainable development action. Regional Diplomacy Noise: Multiple reports revisit Trump’s push to expand the Abraham Accords, while Pakistan rejects joining and critics question the strategy’s timing and credibility.

UN Decolonization Clash: Morocco told the UN C24 committee that the Western Sahara “file” should be dropped from its agenda, arguing Security Council Resolution 2797 shifts the track toward a political settlement based on Rabat’s autonomy plan. Green Hydrogen Economics: A new techno-economic study says Morocco’s Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra can produce green hydrogen at lower costs than northern regions, with Dakhla at about $5.42/kg and Laayoune at about $5.57/kg. Space Science & Heritage: A 446-gram lunar rock found in Morocco’s Western Sahara in 2022 is set for auction in London after expert analysis suggests it may come from ancient lunar highlands. Academic Links for Development: Tifariti University joined the second Bridge to Africa program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, focusing on research, sustainable development, health, energy, and education cooperation. Sahrawi Rights Conference: An international conference in Ireland, “The Forgotten People of Western Sahara,” marked 50 years since the occupation and called for self-determination and independence. Africa Day Policy Push: African leaders used Africa Day to press for stronger political influence and economic sovereignty, including reform of the UN Security Council for permanent African seats.

Green Hydrogen Economics (Morocco/Sahara): A new techno-economic study in ScienceDirect says Morocco’s Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra can produce green hydrogen at lower costs than northern regions—$5.42/kg in Dakhla and $5.57/kg in Laayoune—driven by solar-heavy energy mixes. Space Science & Heritage (Western Sahara): A rare 446-gram moon rock reportedly found in Morocco’s Western Sahara in 2022 is set for auction in London, after University of Edinburgh research helped identify its likely lunar origin. Academic Links (Tifariti/Canary Islands): The University of Tifariti joined the second “Bridge to Africa” program at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, bringing together researchers on sustainable development, health, energy, and education. Sahrawi Rights & Research (Ireland): An international conference at University College Cork, “The Forgotten People of Western Sahara,” marks 50 years since occupation and focuses on Sahrawi self-determination. Security & Tech Policy (South Africa): A budget-vote address highlights how cyber threats and technological disruption are reshaping intelligence priorities. Diplomacy Watch (Abraham Accords): Multiple reports track Trump’s push for more Middle East states to join the Abraham Accords, with Pakistan publicly rejecting any deal that conflicts with its stance on Israel and a Palestinian state.