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Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met on Tuesday with former South African President Jacob Zuma, leader of the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, in Rabat.
The meeting marked a significant shift in South Africa’s political stance, as Zuma’s party officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and endorsed the Autonomy Plan as a viable solution to the regional dispute.
The visit builds on previous diplomatic overtures, including Zuma’s meeting with King Mohammed VI in 2017 during the African Union summit in Ivory Coast, where both sides agreed to open a new chapter in bilateral relations.
In a joint appearance, Zuma emphasized the long-standing ties between Morocco and South Africa, recalling the North African country’s support for anti-apartheid movements.
“We are here in our country that we have been with for years,” he said, noting historical exchanges and shared visions. “We believe that Africa must do better, and we believe that we are going to succeed in doing so.”
An official statement on behalf of the MK Party stated, “We are very delighted and honored to be here in Rabat to deepen the historical bond between our two countries,” recalling Nelson Mandela’s 1962 training in Oujda and the support Morocco extended to liberation movements across the continent.
A ‘balanced path’ toward stability and peace
The statement described the MK Party’s stance as part of a broader effort to “bring a practical solution to the long-standing debacle on the future of 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 affirmed. “This approach offers a balanced path forward that promotes both stability, peace and development in the region.”
The statement also urged the international community to support the Moroccan Autonomy Plan, saying it is the most effective route toward lasting peace and prosperity in Western Sahara. “This echoes more than ever with South Africa as our country battles against internal forces aimed at breaking our territorial integrity,” he added.
The MK Party’s endorsement marks a stark departure from the traditional position of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has long backed the Polisario Front.
Zuma’s move may signal a growing divergence within South African politics regarding Western Sahara and broader continental alliances.
The statement concluded with a firm recognition of Morocco’s territorial integrity: “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.”
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