Media Statement

The African National Congress joins the Polisario Front, a fraternal sister liberation movement representing the Saharawi People in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.

This milestone is a reaffirmation of a just struggle waged by the Saharawi people against colonial occupation and for their inalienable right to self-determination. Fifty years on, the continued occupation of Western Sahara by the Kingdom of Morocco remains a direct affront to international law and the unfinished task of the total decolonisation of Africa.

The ANC delegation led by the First Deputy Secretary-General, Cde Nomvula Mokonyane conveyed a clear message of solidarity, support and congratulations to the people of Western Sahara and to the leadership of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic affirming the enduring bonds forged in the trenches of struggle.

President Oliver Tambo taught us that the struggle of the people of Western Sahara is inseparable from the broader struggle against colonial domination and that it is a struggle that demands principled international solidarity and decisive action. The continued denial of the Saharawi people’s right to determine their own future, despite successive resolutions of multilateral institutions exposes the contradictions of a global order that selectively applies justice.

The ANC reaffirms its steadfast solidarity with the people of Western Sahara and repeats its call for the long- overdue referendum on self-determination. The self-determination of Western Sahara is non-negotiable and we remain clear that until it is achieved, the decolonisation of Africa remains incomplete.

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