AGP Executive Report

Surveillance & Rights: Amnesty International says Morocco’s DGST and Maroc Telecom ran a large-scale spyware and surveillance system targeting journalists and Sahrawi activists, using tools like Pegasus, Hacking Team and FinFisher, and linking surveillance to arrests and smear campaigns; it calls for detainee releases, an independent probe, and a moratorium on selling surveillance tech to Morocco. E-Signatures in Laayoune: Cash Plus and Damanesign launched a partnership to expand access to qualified electronic signature certificates, with in-person identity checks at a first network of 13 agencies across 11 cities including Laayoune, where users collect a secure USB key for services like customs declarations and public procurement. Tech Education in Dakhla: Ibn Zohr University officially launched the National School of Advanced Technologies of Dakhla (ENTA), aiming to train advanced-technology engineers with practical, field-based training and applied research tied to regional business needs. Diplomacy & Western Sahara: US UN envoy Mike Waltz told Polisario that “real choices” are on the table, pointing to Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the basis for a solution. Defense & Industry: Morocco is set to host major Israeli defense firms at the Marrakech Airshow (Oct 7–10), signaling deeper military cooperation beyond diplomatic upgrades. Politics: Morocco’s PAM won the parliamentary election (97/395), with the king tasked to appoint a prime minister and coalition talks beginning amid low turnout and youth discontent.

Surveillance & Rights: Amnesty International says Moroccan authorities used NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware against civil society from 2017–2021, with “one-click” and “zero-click” attacks, and may have kept using similar tools later—despite official denials. Digital Services in Laayoune: Cash Plus and Damanesign launched a partnership to expand access to qualified e-signature certificates, with onboarding and identity checks at partner agencies; the first phase includes Laayoune and Dakhla, and users collect a secure USB key for signatures used in services like customs and public procurement. Tech Education in Dakhla: Ibn Zohr University officially opened the National School of Advanced Technologies of Dakhla (ENTA), aiming to train advanced-technology engineers with practical, business-linked training and applied research for regional development. Western Sahara Diplomacy: US UN envoy Mike Waltz told Polisario that people in Tindouf “waited 50 years” and urged “real choices,” pointing to Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the basis for a solution. Regional Tech & Security Ties: Reports say Israeli defense and aerospace firms are set to showcase drones, air-defense, precision weapons, and satellite tech at Morocco’s Marrakech Airshow, signaling deeper tech-and-defense cooperation.

Morocco Government Shake-Up: King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first woman prime minister, tasking her with forming a cabinet after her Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) won 97 of 395 seats in the 23 September election. Pro-Palestine vs Normalisation: Protests spread across Moroccan cities as demonstrators demanded an end to diplomatic normalisation with Israel amid plans to upgrade ties to full embassies and appoint ambassadors; reports also mention restrictions and arrests in some locations. US–Polisario Pressure: US UN envoy Mike Waltz told Polisario that people in the Tindouf camps have “waited 50 years,” urging “real choices” and pointing to Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the basis for a solution. Western Sahara Solidarity in Spain: Madrid’s Autonomous University marked 20 years of cooperation with Western Sahara, highlighting education, health, and humanitarian projects and calling attention to reduced aid in the refugee camps. Sahrawi Activism on Screen: Greta Thunberg backed a Zurich-premiering documentary on Sahrawi activist Najla Mohamed Lamin, linking the film’s message to the push for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. Morocco–Israel Tech and Defence Push: Morocco is preparing for the Marrakech Airshow with major Israeli defence firms expected to showcase drones, air-defense, precision weapons, and satellite-related work.

US–Polisario Diplomacy: US UN envoy Mike Waltz told Polisario that camp populations have waited 50 years and “real choices” are needed now, pointing to Morocco’s autonomy plan as the basis for a solution. Morocco–Israel Ties & Protests: Morocco’s move to upgrade Israel missions to full embassies and appoint ambassadors is drawing pro-Palestine protests across Moroccan cities, with reports of restrictions and detentions in some areas. Defense & Tech Cooperation: Morocco is set to host major Israeli defense firms at the Marrakech Airshow, signaling deeper military and aerospace cooperation that includes drones, air-defense and satellite-linked projects. Sahrawi Culture on Screen: Greta Thunberg backed a Zurich-premiering documentary on Sahrawi activist Najla Mohamed Lamin, highlighting peaceful resistance and the UN’s autonomy framing. Education Links: Spain’s University of La Laguna launched a Darija seminar for medical and nursing students, while Madrid universities marked 20 years of cooperation with Western Sahara efforts in humanitarian, health, education and culture. Local Infrastructure (Sahel): Morocco agreed to help Mauritania upgrade the Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road, aiming to boost trade access to Atlantic ports.

Pro-Palestine Protests vs Normalisation: Protests spread across Moroccan cities on Sept. 27, with demonstrators demanding an end to Rabat’s deepening Israel ties after Morocco and Israel moved toward full embassies and ambassadors. Reports cited rallies in Rabat and Marrakesh, while Tangier saw a ban and dispersals with detentions. Diplomatic Upgrade, Wider Pushback: The embassy upgrade follows a Sept. 16 announcement with the US, and protesters also targeted the plan to exchange ambassadors and expand economic cooperation. Western Sahara in the Spotlight: Swedish activist Greta Thunberg backed a Zurich Film Festival documentary on Sahrawi activist Najla Mohamed Lamin, highlighting her advocacy for peaceful resistance and autonomy debates. Defense & Tech Cooperation: Morocco is set to host major Israeli defense firms at the Marrakech Airshow (Oct. 7–10), signaling stronger military-industrial links via drones, air-defense and satellite-related projects. Regional Infrastructure: Morocco will help Mauritania upgrade a 480-km road to boost trade and access to Atlantic ports, sharing road-building know-how tied to Saharan connectivity. UN and Human Rights Politics: The UN OHCHR updated its business blacklist tied to “human rights concerns” in the occupied Palestinian territory, while Western Sahara’s militarised Berm remains a focus of research on ecological risks.

Film & Activism: Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg backed the Zurich-premiering documentary My Home of Wind and Sand, which follows Sahrawi activist Najla Mohamed Lamin from exile near Tindouf to advocacy at the UN, including the shock of a US-backed Security Council push for “autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.” Diplomacy & Elections: The International Organization of La Francophonie said Morocco’s Sept. 23 legislative vote was “free, reliable, and transparent,” after an electoral mission in Rabat. UN & Regional Crises: The UAE urged UN-led diplomacy and mediation to end the Gaza war and strengthen maritime security, while reaffirming support for peace efforts including Western Sahara. Housing Protests (Spain): In Madrid, protests grew after the forcible eviction of 87-year-old “Maricarmen” over rent hikes, with Sahrawi MP Tesh Sidi linking Spain’s housing debate to Sahrawi rights. Western Sahara Education & Aid: Spain’s Autonomous University of Madrid marked 20 years of cooperation with Western Sahara, highlighting humanitarian and education projects in the camps and calling attention to shrinking assistance. Morocco–Israel Tech/Defense Push: Morocco’s defense ties with Israel deepen as Israeli firms plan to showcase drones, air-defense, precision weapons, and satellite tech at next month’s Marrakech Airshow.

Water Infrastructure in Laayoune: Morocco’s ONEE is studying a third unit for Laayoune’s seawater desalination plant, potentially boosting capacity by about 50% to around 900 liters per second, with new pipelines, pumping, storage and monitoring to serve Laayoune and nearby areas as demand rises. Western Sahara Wall & Ecology: A new look at the 2,700km Berm highlights how the militarized barrier and its mine belt shape both politics and biodiversity restoration prospects, with researchers examining ecological risks and the long-term impacts of the wall. Local University Cooperation: The Autonomous University of Madrid marked 20 years of solidarity with Western Sahara, featuring humanitarian, education, health and cultural projects and a cooperation agreement involving the University of Tifariti. UN & Diplomacy: At the UN General Assembly, the UAE urged diplomacy and mediation to end the Gaza war and improve maritime security, while Namibia’s UN chief candidate pushed for a woman Secretary-General and stronger multilateral action. Morocco–Israel Tech/Defense Ties: Israel and Morocco announced full embassy upgrades and deeper cooperation, while reports say Israeli defense firms are set to showcase drones, air-defense and satellite tech at Morocco’s Marrakech Airshow. Spain Housing Protests (Sahrawi link): Spain’s eviction of an 87-year-old Madrid resident sparked nationwide protests over rent hikes, with a Sahrawi Spanish MP linking the debate to broader rights and Western Sahara issues.

Water Security in Laayoune: Morocco’s ONEE is studying a third desalination unit for Laayoune, potentially boosting output by about 50% to meet rising demand tied to port, phosphate and energy growth. Western Sahara Infrastructure & Cooperation: Morocco plans to share road-construction know-how with Mauritania, upgrading the Nouakchott–Nouadhibou corridor to improve trade access to Atlantic ports. Sahrawi Rights in Academia: A lecture series in Rio de Janeiro highlighted the Sahrawi struggle and the need for solidarity, with Polisario representatives speaking at law and human-sciences events. Local Governance & Housing Pressure (Spain): In Madrid, protests grew after the forcible eviction of 87-year-old “Maricarmen” over steep rent hikes, with hundreds camping outside the regional government demanding stronger tenant protections. Morocco–Israel Tech, Trade & Defense: Morocco and Israel announced embassy upgrades and new investment and tax deals, while defense firms are set to showcase drones, air-defense and satellite tech at the Marrakech Airshow. Politics Watch (Morocco): PAM won Morocco’s parliamentary election, with turnout down and the Islamist PJD returning to lead the opposition—coalition talks now begin.

Water Security in Laayoune: ONEE is studying a third unit for Laayoune’s seawater desalination plant, aiming to raise capacity by about 50% (from 600 to ~900 liters per second) to cover rising demand across Laayoune and nearby areas like El Marsa, Foum El Oued and Tarouma. Diplomacy Upgrade: Israel and Morocco announced full-embassy plans and ambassador appointments, alongside investment-protection and double-taxation talks, framed as a deepening of Abraham Accords cooperation. Defense & Tech Cooperation: Israeli defense firms are set to showcase drones, air-defense, precision weapons and satellite-related tech at Morocco’s Marrakech Airshow, signaling expanding industrial and knowledge-transfer ties. Western Sahara Solidarity in Academia: A Polisario Front representative delivered lectures in Brazil on the Sahrawi struggle and solidarity, with events spanning Rio de Janeiro and Fluminense institutions. Local Research & Environment: A University of Porto project revisits the Western Sahara “Berm” and its biodiversity and ecological risks, linking the militarized border to long-term environmental damage. Education & Humanitarian Support: Madrid’s public universities marked 20 years of cooperation with Western Sahara, including new agreements and renewed calls to address shrinking humanitarian assistance in the camps.

Israel-Morocco Diplomacy Under Fire: Protesters in Morocco rallied against the upgrade of Israel ties to full embassies, as Rabat moved to exchange ambassadors and deepen economic cooperation after the Sept. 16 announcement. Defense Industry Push: Morocco is set to host major Israeli defense firms at the Marrakech Airshow (Oct. 7–10), with plans spanning drones, air-defense, precision weapons, and satellite tech. Western Sahara Tech & Water: ONEE is studying a third unit for Laayoune’s seawater desalination plant, potentially boosting capacity by about 50% to meet rising demand. Local University Cooperation: The University of Tifariti signed a cooperation agreement with Madrid public universities, highlighting humanitarian, education, health, and cultural projects in Sahrawi areas. Berm’s Ecological Cost: A new research focus examines the 2,700-km Berm’s political and ecological risks, including the long minefield running alongside it. Governance Watch: Morocco’s parliamentary election results show PAM leading while turnout fell to 38%, with coalition talks now underway.

Desalination & Water Security (Laayoune): Morocco’s ONEE is studying a major expansion of Laayoune’s seawater desalination plant, adding a third reverse-osmosis unit to raise capacity by about 50% (from 600 to ~900 liters per second), with new pipelines, pumping, storage, power work and remote monitoring. Higher-Education Cooperation (Western Sahara): The University of Tifariti signed a cooperation agreement with Madrid public universities, with the Autonomous University of Madrid marking 20 years of solidarity projects in Sahrawi camps across humanitarian, education, health and cultural support. Biodiversity & the Berm (Research): A University of Porto project is examining the Western Sahara Berm’s political and ecological risks, including the long barrier and the minefield running alongside it. Environment & Resource Exploitation (Sahrawi research): A Sahrawi Observatory report launch highlighted how climate vulnerability in Western Sahara is worsened by military infrastructure and ongoing natural-resource exploitation, warning against “green economy” plans that repeat extraction patterns. Governance & Elections (Morocco): Morocco’s PAM won the parliamentary vote with 97 seats; turnout fell to 38%, while the Islamist PJD surged back to lead the opposition—coalition talks begin amid low participation concerns. Regional Tech/Defense (Aerospace): Israeli defense firms are set to showcase drones, air-defense and satellite-related tech at Morocco’s Marrakech Airshow, signaling deeper defense-industrial ties.

Water Security in Laayoune: Morocco’s ONEE is studying a third unit for Laayoune’s seawater desalination plant, aiming to raise output by about 50% (from 600 to ~900 liters per second) to serve Laayoune and nearby areas like El Marsa, Foum El Oued, and Tarouma, with new pipelines, pumping, storage, power, and remote monitoring still at the study stage. Desert Ecology & Resource Pressure: A Sahrawi conference in Shaheed El Hafed highlighted how climate change in Western Sahara is worsened by military infrastructure and ongoing natural-resource exploitation, warning that “energy transition” must not become a new label for extraction; it also spotlighted the Berm’s impacts on people, herders, animals, and ecosystem connectivity. Western Sahara Research Links: The University of Tifariti signed a cooperation agreement with Madrid public universities, marking 20 years of collaboration with presentations on humanitarian, education, health, and cultural projects in Sahrawi refugee camps. Morocco–Israel Tech & Defense: Israeli defense firms are set to showcase drones, air-defense, precision weapons, and satellite tech at Morocco’s Marrakech Airshow, reflecting deepening military-industrial ties. Governance & Elections: Morocco’s PAM won the parliamentary vote, with turnout down to 38%, while the PJD surged back to lead the opposition; observer missions and election monitoring plans were also detailed.

Water Security in Laayoune: Morocco’s ONEE is studying a third unit for Laayoune’s seawater desalination plant, aiming to raise output by about 50% (from 600 to ~900 liters per second) to serve Laayoune and nearby areas as demand grows. UN Presence in Western Sahara: MINURSO’s Laayoune headquarters welcomed its new Force Commander, Major General Jawwad Ahmed, as the mission reiterates its focus on peacekeeping under the UN Charter. Western Sahara Environment & Resources: In the Sahrawi capital, SONREP and partners unveiled “Plunder Footprint,” warning that natural-resource exploitation can trigger potentially irreversible environmental damage, while also linking the Moroccan wall, landmines, and explosive remnants of war to ecosystem disruption and contamination. Morocco–Israel Defense Tech Push: Morocco is set to host major Israeli defense firms at the Marrakech Airshow, signaling deeper military-industrial cooperation through drones, air-defense, precision weapons, and satellite-related projects. Morocco Politics Watch: PAM won Morocco’s parliamentary election with 97 seats, while the PJD surged back to lead the opposition amid low turnout and coalition talks.

Water & Infrastructure: Morocco’s ONEE is studying a third unit for Laayoune’s seawater desalination plant, potentially boosting output by about 50% (to roughly 900 liters/second) to serve Laayoune and nearby areas as demand rises. UN & Peacekeeping: MINURSO’s Laayoune headquarters welcomed its new Force Commander, Major General Jawwad Ahmed, as the mission renews its focus on the “cause of peace” across Western Sahara. Western Sahara Environment & Resources: The Sahrawi Observatory (SONREP) released its “Plunder Footprint” report, arguing that natural-resource exploitation in Western Sahara carries a wider environmental footprint and warning that the impacts of the wall, landmines, and explosive remnants can disrupt ecosystems and livelihoods. Regional Connectivity: Morocco will help Mauritania upgrade the 480-km Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road to improve transport and trade under a Sahel-to-Atlantic access push, sharing road-building know-how linked to Saharan routes including Laayoune. Diplomacy & Politics: Morocco’s parliamentary election results put the palace-linked PAM first while the Islamist PJD returns to opposition, amid low turnout and coalition talks. International Spotlight: UN updates and diplomatic moves continue to shape the wider Western Sahara and regional debate, including renewed attention to embassies and multilateral reform.

Water Infrastructure: Morocco’s ONEE is studying a third expansion unit for Laayoune’s seawater desalination plant, aiming to raise output by about 50% (from 600 to ~900 liters per second) to meet rising demand in Laayoune and nearby areas like El Marsa, Foum El Oued and Tarouma. UN Peacekeeping: MINURSO in Laayoune welcomed its new Force Commander, Major General Jawwad Ahmed, as the mission reiterates its commitment to the UN Charter and visits across the territory. Natural Resources & Environment: In Shaheed El Hafed, the Sahrawi Observatory and SONREP presented “Plunder Footprint,” arguing that extraction’s harm goes beyond resource loss to full environmental damage, with the Moroccan wall, landmines and explosive remnants also disrupting ecosystems and livelihoods. Education & Cooperation: Tifariti’s University signed a cooperation agreement with Madrid public universities, highlighting projects in humanitarian, education, health and culture, alongside a call to boost support for Sahrawi refugee camps. Diplomacy: UNGA remarks from Namibia’s Nandi-Ndaitwah pushed for a woman UN Secretary-General and Security Council reform, while UN chief Guterres warned of AI, climate and inequality driving instability.

Water Security in Laayoune: Morocco’s ONEE is studying a third unit for Laayoune’s seawater desalination plant, aiming to raise output by about 50% (to roughly 900 liters per second) and expand pipelines, pumping, storage and monitoring to serve Laayoune plus El Marsa, Foum El Oued and Tarouma. UN Peacekeeping Update: MINURSO’s Laayoune headquarters welcomed its new Force Commander, Major General Jawwad Ahmed, as the mission reiterates its commitment to the UN Charter and the “cause of peace.” Western Sahara Environment & Resources: Sahrawi researchers and officials released new findings through SONREP, warning that natural-resource exploitation carries a wider “environmental footprint,” with impacts linked to the military wall, landmines and explosive remnants of war, and urging stronger research and youth involvement. Diplomacy Upgrade: Morocco and Israel agreed to open embassies and exchange ambassadors, elevating ties beyond liaison offices, alongside plans for more direct flights and investment-protection and tax deals. Regional Tech-Education Angle: Algeria is shifting its primary-school foreign-language policy toward English as the first foreign language, with French following later. Humanitarian/Academic Cooperation: The University of Tifariti signed a cooperation agreement with Madrid public universities, highlighting education, health and humanitarian support for Sahrawi communities.