UN Security Council Watch: The UN Security Council will hold two closed meetings on Western Sahara on Oct 7-8 as MINURSO’s mandate runs out Oct 31, with briefings from MINURSO head Alexander Ivanko and UN envoy Staffan de Mistura ahead of an expected vote. UN Negotiations Update: UN chief António Guterres’ annual report under Resolution 2797 points to renewed momentum, including direct talks returning for the first time in seven years and a political process built around Morocco’s autonomy initiative and a proposed transitional council. US-Morocco Messaging: Washington continues to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty but is stressing the conflict remains unresolved, signaling a shift toward the “mechanics” of settlement rather than a quick end. Prisoners’ Rights: The Sahrawi Prisoners’ Protection Association reports escalating reprisals against Gdeim Izik prisoners, including transfers, loss of family contact, and continued hunger strikes. Policy Timeline: A recap of what changed since the last Security Council vote highlights how Resolution 2797 shifted the tone and put Morocco’s autonomy plan at the center of talks. Culture & Travel Links: Spain’s Canary Islands University is offering a Moroccan Darija seminar for medical and nursing students, mixing language with cultural and tourism-related themes.