Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa Reaffirms SADC’s Support for Western Sahara’s Independence
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has reiterated the regional bloc’s steadfast support for the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and its struggle for independence. Speaking on the occasion of the Southern African Region’s Independence Day, Mnangagwa declared that Africa’s liberation remains incomplete as long as Western Sahara remains under Moroccan occupation. He reaffirmed SADC’s long-standing solidarity with the Sahrawi people, aligning with the African Union’s stance that Morocco’s presence in the territory constitutes continued colonialism.
Mnangagwa also highlighted external threats to SADC nations’ sovereignty, condemning illegal sanctions, economic coercion, and foreign interference that destabilize the region. He called for collective action to defend African nations from external pressures and ensure true independence. In addressing regional security concerns, he urged an end to hostilities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), emphasizing the need for diplomatic efforts to restore peace and stability.
Beyond political liberation, the Zimbabwean leader stressed the importance of economic independence, urging African nations to assert control over their resources and production systems. By advocating for Western Sahara’s independence, peace in the DRC, and economic self-sufficiency, Mnangagwa reinforced SADC’s commitment to defending Africa’s autonomy against modern neocolonial threats.
