Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino, Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) to Zimbabwe Mr Louali Moussa Zaoui has commended Zimbabwe for its strong and consistent support for the right to self-determination by the Sahrawi people against Morocco’s invasion and colonial annexation of its territory.
Morocco has been invading SADR’s territory of Western Sahara since the latter’s independence from Spain in 1975.
Ambassador Zaoui said Zimbabwe’s support has materialised politically and diplomatically in its contribution to justice and legitimacy for the Sahrawi cause.
“Zimbabwe has been a strong and consistent supporter of the Western Sahara and Sahrawi Republic and its people’s right to self-determination. This solidarity is rooted in Zimbabwe’s own liberation history and anti-colonial stance,” said Amb Zaoui.
He said Zimbabwe’s firm diplomatic recognition of SADR, its opposition to Morocco’s readmission into the African Union (AU) in 2017 and its advocacy for the territory’s right to self-determination have been consistent since its independence in 1980.
Amb Zaou said President Mnangagwa’s “crystal clear” statement in March that “Africa’s independence would not be complete until Western Sahara is free” was instructive on the need for Western Sahara’s decolonisation.
“Zimbabwe officially recognises SADR as the legitimate representative of the people of Western Sahara, this recognition provides state-level legitimacy to SADR within Africa and the international community. Zimbabwe has hosted Sahrawi leaders and officials, strengthening bilateral ties and reinforcing SADR’s presence as a sovereign state,” he said.
“Alongside other supportive African nations, Zimbabwe has pushed back against international double standards especially those of the United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) by demanding action and follow-through on the promised 1991 referendum.”
In 2017, President Mnangagwa hosted his SADR counterpart President Ibrahim Ghali as a sign of Zimbabwe’s recognition and commitment to the right of self-rule for the people of Western Sahara.
