African National Congress (ANC) Denies Statements Attributed to Deputy on Strengthening Ties with Morocco, Reaffirms Support for Western Sahara
The African National Congress (ANC) issued a media statement addressing remarks made by Obed Bapela, Deputy Chairperson of the ANC Sub-Committee on International Relations, which stirred concerns regarding the party’s stance on the Western Sahara issue. Bapela’s comments, calling for the “normalization of economic ties with Morocco,” were perceived by some as contradicting the ANC’s long-standing position of solidarity with Western Sahara, a territory struggling for independence from Moroccan occupation.
The ANC’s statement made it clear that the party remains fully committed to its historical support for Western Sahara’s self-determination and liberation. The ANC reiterated its unwavering backing of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and denounced Morocco’s occupation of the territory as a violation of international law. The party emphasized that any resolution to the conflict must involve a referendum for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people, in line with United Nations resolutions.
Furthermore, the statement included a clarification from ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula and the Chairperson of the International Relations Committee, Nomvula Mokonyane, distancing the party from Bapela’s remarks. They underscored that the views expressed were personal and did not reflect the official position of the ANC. The statement concluded by reaffirming the ANC’s solidarity with Western Sahara and rejecting any suggestion of weakening its stance on the matter.
