
After Zuma's visit to Morocco, South Africa hosts forum backing Polisario
Interestingly, both sources highlighted only two speeches: those of the South African ambassador and the Polisario representative in Algiers. The forum ended with a joint statement reiterating positions long familiar to attendees of similar pro-Polisario gatherings, whether held in Africa or elsewhere.
Notably, South Africa had already held a session of this diplomatic forum in Algiers on April 2 9. It is unusual for such events, typically initiated by South Africa's diplomatic mission in Algeria in support of the Polisario, to occur in such close succession.
This latest edition was clearly prompted by Jacob Zuma's backing, as leader of the MK party, for Morocco's autonomy plan in Western Sahara, a position strongly condemned by the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
Just last week, Algeria sent envoys to Pretoria for discussions with South African officials and ANC members on the political fallout of Zuma's stance, and its implications for South Africa's recognition of the so-called «SADR», which it officially recognized in 2004. The issue was also raised on July 18 in Algiers during a meeting between Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and his Polisario «counterpart», Mohamed Yeslem Beissat.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Ya Biladi
18 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Africa : Polisario allies in SADC press agenda on other members
On July 24 and 25, Tanzania became the focal point for a significant meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) foreign ministers. At the close of this summit, the ministers expressed clear support for the Polisario. They «welcomed the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between the SADC and SADR, recognizing its alignment with the UN-led process for the self-determination of Western Sahara», as stated in a press release. To revisit earlier developments, on April 2, SADC Secretary-General Elias M. Magosi and the Polisario's representative in Botswana, Bah El Mad Abdellah, inked a memorandum of understanding. This agreement aims to «implement the decisions adopted by the SADC heads of state and government in August 2019, as well as the Declaration on the SADC Solidarity Conference with the SADR held in March 2019 in Pretoria, South Africa». Nonetheless, this agreement faced immediate condemnation from Malawi, the Union of the Comoros, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Eswatini. These countries, members of the regional bloc, are actively seeking to distance themselves from South African influence. On the issue of the Sahara, they all acknowledge Moroccan sovereignty and have established consulates in Laayoune or Dakhla.


Ya Biladi
a day ago
- Ya Biladi
The Rif separatist party acknowledges Spain's «sovereignty» over Ceuta and Melilla
Following a recent gathering in Algiers, the so-called «Rif Nationalist Party» is now shifting its focus to Spain. In a surprising move, the party, which identifies as «Rif nationalist», has publicly recognized Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, echoing the position of another separatist group, the Polisario Front. «For us, Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish territories. This is an undeniable historical fact», declared Ridouane Oussama, leader of the separatist movement, in an interview with a Madrid-based newspaper. The statement appears aimed at reassuring Spanish political, military, and security circles. With backing from Algiers, the Rif separatist group is seeking to establish a branch in Melilla. Oussama argues that Spain has a responsibility to support his party's secessionist aspirations. By helping to «liberate a people», he claims, Spain could «correct a historical mistake», a tactic reminiscent of the Polisario Front's long-standing appeals for support from Madrid. «An independent Rif would allow Spain to resolve internal challenges, particularly around security and terrorism», Oussama asserted. In exchange for Spanish support, he promises Madrid «a friendly neighbor across the border». He emphasized what he described as enduring cultural ties between the Rif and Spain: «The Rif and the Spanish, especially in the south, share a cultural blend. We are very close culturally. The population there is made up of 50% Rifains and 50% Spaniards», he said. Oussama went further, arguing that «Spain has an interest in an independent Rif, as it would help ease Morocco's pressure on issues like immigration and territorial claims over Ceuta and Melilla». He even praised Spain's former colonial presence in the Rif: «Our grandparents tell us the Spanish occupation was better than the Moroccan one», he claimed. In making this statement, he disregards the suffering of thousands of Rif residents who were victims of chemical attacks by Spanish forces in the 1920s, an episode still remembered by certain segments of Spanish society. It's worth recalling that in November 2021, two Catalan parties, the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) and Together for Catalonia (Junts).called on the Spanish government, through a non-binding resolution, to formally apologize for the use of chemical weapons against civilians in the Rif.


Ya Biladi
2 days ago
- Ya Biladi
US : Algeria courts co-author of bill designating Polisario as terrorist group
A newly proposed bill in the United States House of Representatives, seeking to designate the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization, is stirring unease in Algeria. This apprehension is underscored by a recent meeting between Algeria's ambassador to Washington, Sabri Boukadoum, and Democratic Representative Jimmy Panetta, who co-authored the bill alongside Republican Jimmy Wilson. «Met with the Algerian Ambassador to discuss the U.S.-Algeria relationship, regional security, and trans-national terrorist organizations in their region of the African continent. Appreciate the dialogue and look forward to continued conversations that promote our mutual understanding and security», stated Panetta on the X platform. This diplomatic engagement from Algeria comes on the heels of a letter sent by «The Global Monitoring Center», an American organization aligned with the Polisario, to Senate Democratic Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer. The NGO voiced its «concern over the inaccurate information and allegations spread by the Moroccan lobby in the United States, as well as attempts to associate the Polisario Front with terrorism and extremist groups».