Border & Trade Security: A U.S. delegation visited El Guergarate border post in Morocco’s southern Sahara to discuss border security cooperation, and to warn against any attempts to disrupt trade and stability; the post is a key trans-Saharan corridor where hundreds of trucks cross daily with fresh produce and manufactured goods heading to Mauritania and beyond. Diplomatic Push for the Sahara Framework: Guinea-Bissau’s foreign minister reaffirmed support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and backed Morocco’s autonomy plan as the only credible solution, praising Rabat’s Africa-focused initiatives and noting the opening of a consulate general in Dakhla. Regional Political Dialogue (SADR–Angola): The Sahrawi foreign minister met Angola’s secretary of state for foreign relations in Luanda to deliver a message from Brahim Ghali and to discuss ongoing political dialogue, alongside Angola’s FAO leadership candidacy for 2027–2031. Defense Industry & Spending Race: Coverage highlights Morocco’s push for defense modernization via joint ventures and Algeria’s record $25bn military spending, framing the Western Sahara context as part of a wider regional security competition. Policy Watch (U.S.–Morocco Defense Plan): A U.S. Senate bill would require a 10-year plan to deepen defense cooperation with Morocco, including joint exercises, counter-terrorism work, runway refurbishments, and drone-related force modernization.