Southern African nations have intensified their support for the fight of independence of Western Sahara, culminating in a significant agreement with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
This memorandum of understanding (MoU) aims to bolster the territory’s quest for decolonization and self-determination.
Key Takeaways
- The Southern African Development Community (SADC) signed an MoU with SADR on April 2, 2025.
- Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, has been under Moroccan control since 1975.
- The agreement emphasizes support for self-determination and decolonization efforts.
- SADC plans to raise the Western Sahara issue in international forums.
Background of the Conflict
Western Sahara, once a Spanish colony, was annexed by Morocco in 1975, leading to a protracted conflict between the Moroccan government and the indigenous Sahrawi people, represented by the Polisario Front. The territory is recognized by the African Union (AU) as a non-self-governing territory, yet Morocco has consistently opposed its independence, proposing instead a degree of autonomy.
The situation has been complicated by Morocco’s lobbying efforts, including its re-admission to the AU in 2017, which has garnered support from various international actors, including the United States, which recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over the region.
The MoU and Its Implications
The MoU signed in Gaborone, Botswana, by SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi and SADR’s representative Bah El Mad Abdellah, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for Western Sahara’s independence.
The agreement is rooted in the resolution from the SADC Solidified Conference held in South Africa in 2019, which underscored the need for decolonization in the region.
Key points of the MoU include:
- Support for Self-Determination: The agreement reaffirms SADC’s commitment to the self-determination of the Sahrawi people.
- Respect for Colonial Borders: It urges Morocco to honor the colonial borders as they existed at the time of independence, in line with the AU Constitutive Act.
- Multilateral Engagement: SADC will advocate for the Western Sahara issue in various international forums and bilateral discussions.
SADC’s Commitment to Western Sahara
Elias Magosi emphasized that SADC would not overlook the plight of the Sahrawi people, stating that Western Sahara remains the only territory in Africa still under colonial rule.
The regional bloc aims to leverage its historical context of anti-colonial struggle to promote awareness and apply pressure on international bodies to support Western Sahara’s independence.
Ambassador Abdellah expressed optimism that SADC’s involvement would amplify the call for independence, highlighting the importance of diplomatic channels in achieving this goal.
Conclusion
The signing of the MoU between SADC and SADR represents a renewed commitment to the cause of Western Sahara’s independence.
As the region continues to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, the support from Southern African nations could play a crucial role in advancing the Sahrawi people’s quest for self-determination and decolonization.
The international community’s response to this advocacy will be pivotal in shaping the future of Western Sahara.
