Harare – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has once again reiterated its firm and principled support for the complete liberation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), emphasizing that Africa’s decolonization remains unfinished as long as Western Sahara remains under Morocco’s illegal occupation.
Speaking on the occasion of Southern Africa Liberation Day, observed annually on March 23, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who currently chairs the SADC bloc, delivered a powerful message of solidarity with the Sahrawi people, as reported by the Sahrawi Press Agency (SPS).
“Africa cannot claim full liberation until Western Sahara is free and independent,” Mnangagwa declared, stressing that SADC’s historic position remains unchanged in supporting the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and freedom from foreign occupation.
Alignment with the African Union’s Stand
This renewed commitment by SADC aligns fully with the African Union’s official stance, which rejects Morocco’s claims over Western Sahara and considers its presence there a continuation of colonial rule. The AU has consistently called for the decolonization of the Sahrawi territories and has refused to recognize any Moroccan sovereignty over the occupied lands.
Rejecting Neocolonial Interference
In his speech, Mnangagwa also condemned foreign interference, illegal sanctions, and economic coercion targeting African nations, warning that such practices threaten the sovereignty and stability of the continent. He called on SADC member states to strengthen regional unity and resistance against neocolonialism in all its forms.
A Call for African Solidarity
President Mnangagwa urged all African nations to bolster the role of regional institutions like SADC in defending the continent’s freedom and independence. He emphasized that true African liberation cannot be achieved while one of its nations—Western Sahara—remains colonized.
SADC’s position continues to reflect the growing continental and international consensus that the Sahrawi cause is a legitimate struggle for self-determination, while Morocco’s occupation remains a blatant violation of international law.
This reaffirmation of support from a major African bloc delivers another diplomatic blow to the Moroccan regime’s expansionist policies and sends a strong message of solidarity with the Sahrawi people and their just cause.
Written by: Nor Eleslam – DZWatch.dz
