It is a known fact that Morocco bribed many African leaders to support its re-admission into the AU. It is also a known fact that Morocco is a big spender on initiatives in Europe and African that support the retention of the oppressive status quo in the Western Sahara.
Tags : South Africa, MKP, Jacob Zuma, Western Sahara, Morocco, Polisario Front, ANC, bribery, corruption,
The struggle for justice in Western Sahara is complex and persisted for decades. The history of this region revolves around its colonization by Spain and the search for self-determination by the Saharawi people through their liberation movement, the Polisario Front (PF).
After Spain withdrew in 1975, Morocco and Mauritania initiated a significant military advance into Western Sahara to affirm their claim for the territory. The PF backed by Algeria fought for independence against Morocco, and in 1976 declared Western Sahara as the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
A 16 year war ensued between the PF and Morocco/Mauritania. Mauritania withdrew in 1979 and Morocco claimed sovereignty over the area.
The conduct of Morocco was and is still a brutal act of aggression and occupation against the Saharawis. The PF is still prosecuting, on multiple fronts, an unending struggle against this occupation. The principal grievance of the PF is self-determination, which is the right of a people to determine their political status and pursue their economic, social and cultural development.
The Saharawi people have a diverse history, made up of their traditions, language and way of life, which they seek to protect against external pressures and continuous occupation. The continuous presence of Moroccan forces and the establishment of settlements have further deepened the tension.
The actions of the Moroccan government, including human rights violations and land confiscation, have triggered international criticism. This has resulted in calls for justice and the resolution of the conflict through peaceful negotiations.
As the Saharawi people continue their search for justice and recognition, the international community, particularly the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU), remain critical to mediate the conflict. The UN and AU have long recognized the right to self-determination for the Saharawi people. The roles of the UN and the AU in the conflict reveal serious deficiencies in dealing with the situation.
In 1991, the UN set up a mission in Western Sahara with the aim of organizing a referendum to allow the Saharawis to decide their future. However, more than three decades later, the situation remains unresolved as the referendum never materialised.
The UN mission suffers from a lack of effectiveness due to geopolitical dynamics, as the US and some European powers support Morocco as the country serves as their crucial ally in North Africa. In its support for the Saharawis, the AU passed various resolutions and declarations. In 2015, for example, the AU reiterated its commitment to help the Saharawi people to obtain independence and asked for urgent resumption of negotiations.
However, these statements have often translated into limited actions. For more than four decades, the ANC is steadfast in its support for self-determination and independence of the people of Western Sahara. The ANC remains true to this commitment. On the 30th of January 2017, together with Algeria, South Africa’s ANC led government opposed the re-admission of Morocco as a member State of the African Union.
The question still lingers. What confuses a self-proclaimed “pan-Africanist revolutionary party” like the MKP on a simple question of self-determination of the oppressed and brutalised Saharawi people? MKP’s support of the one sided Morocco’s autonomy plan for Sahara is mind-boggling.
It is a known fact that Morocco bribed many African leaders to support its re-admission into the AU. It is also a known fact that Morocco is a big spender on initiatives in Europe and African that support the retention of the oppressive status quo in the Western Sahara.
I really wonder what happened here…
Source : Dr Zamani Saul, 21 jui 2025
#SouthAfrica #MK #JacobZuma #ANC #WesternSahara #Polisario #Morocco #Bribery #Corruption
