Zuma’s move may signal a growing divergence within South African politics regarding Western Sahara and broader continental alliances
Rabat — In a significant diplomatic development, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met on Tuesday with former South African President Jacob Zuma, leader of the newly established uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, in Rabat. The high-level meeting resulted in a landmark statement from the MK Party, officially recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and endorsing the Autonomy Plan as a practical and peaceful solution to the long-standing regional dispute.
This meeting represents a dramatic shift in South Africa’s political discourse on the Western Sahara issue, diverging from the stance historically held by the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has supported the Polisario Front.
The Rabat meeting follows earlier diplomatic engagement, notably Zuma’s encounter with King Mohammed VI during the 2017 African Union summit in Ivory Coast, where both leaders agreed to usher in a new era of bilateral cooperation.
Speaking in Rabat, Zuma reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between Morocco and South Africa, recalling the North African kingdom’s unwavering support for anti-apartheid movements during the 20th century. “We are here in our country that we have been with for years,” Zuma declared, evoking shared African values and aspirations. “We believe that Africa must do better, and we believe that we are going to succeed in doing so.”
An official statement issued by the MK Party reinforced this sentiment, calling the visit “an opportunity to deepen the historical bond between our two countries,” and paid tribute to Morocco’s early support for African liberation movements, including its training of Nelson Mandela in Oujda in 1962.
Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan
The MK Party’s statement strongly endorsed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as “a balanced path forward” that safeguards Moroccan sovereignty while empowering local governance in the Western Sahara region.
“Our party believes that this autonomy proposal allows for significant local governance by the people of the Western Sahara region while ensuring that Morocco retains its crucial sovereignty,” the statement said. “This approach promotes both stability, peace, and sustainable development in the region.”
The MK Party called on the international community to rally behind the Moroccan initiative, describing it as “the most effective route toward lasting peace and prosperity in Western Sahara.”
In a pointed reference to South Africa’s own internal struggles with territorial unity, the party added: “This echoes more than ever with South Africa as our country battles against internal forces aimed at breaking our territorial integrity.”
A Political Realignment in the Making?
Zuma’s visit and the MK Party’s endorsement signal a potential realignment within South African politics concerning continental alliances and the future of Western Sahara. The move marks a clear departure from the ANC’s long-standing position and could pave the way for new dialogue and cooperation between Morocco and emerging political actors across Africa.
The MK Party concluded its statement with a firm acknowledgment of Morocco’s sovereignty, stating: “Morocco’s effort to reclaim its full territorial integrity aligns with our party’s commitment to preserving the sovereignty and the unity of the African state.”
This development underscores Morocco’s growing diplomatic momentum on the Western Sahara issue and reflects Rabat’s successful efforts to strengthen ties with key African political leaders and institutions.
BY: The Times Union
