South Africa’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has thrown its full support behind Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara,calling for a bold new strategic partnership between the two “African powerhouses”.
In a newly released policy paper,the party,led by former president Jacob Zuma,made the case for African unity rooted in shared liberation histories between Morocco and South Africa,economic cooperation,and the defense of territorial integrity.
The 17-page document,titled “A Strategic Partnership for African Unity,Economic Emancipation & Territorial Integrity: Morocco,” defines Morocco as a natural ally in the struggle for a self-reliant and sovereign Africa. It praises Morocco’s leadership in multilateral diplomacy,its resistance to separatist movements,and its enduring commitment to African-led development.
“Morocco’s efforts to reclaim its full territorial integrity align with the MK Party’s commitment to preserving the sovereignty and unity of African states,” the paper states.
The MK Party highlights Morocco’s early support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle,noting that Morocco was the first country to provide financial and military assistance to Umkhonto weSizwe in 1962. This solidarity,the party argues,laid the foundation for a deeper alliance between “the two powerhouses of the continent.”
In a significant departure from South Africa’s support for separatist in the Sahara territory,the MK Party unequivocally supports Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over the territory. The paper emphasizes that the region has been historically and culturally tied to Morocco for centuries,long before Spanish colonization.
“The Moroccan claim predates colonization and is rooted in tribal allegiance to the Moroccan throne,” the document asserts.
“The international community must take into account the region’s historical ties to Morocco and the legitimate interests of the Moroccan people in maintaining their territorial integrity,” it added.
The MK Party endorses Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara as a balanced and peaceful solution,offering local governance to the Sahrawis while preserving Moroccan sovereignty.
The policy paper envisions a future where Morocco and South Africa lead the charge for African unity,economic emancipation,and institutional reform. It calls for stronger South-South cooperation,investment in infrastructure,and a united front against foreign interference and separatist agendas.
“This partnership is a model for how African nations can internally build a brighter future — by Africans and for Africans,” the paper concludes.
As the MK Party gains political momentum in South Africa,its pro-Morocco stance could reshape regional diplomacy and offer a new blueprint for African solidarity in the 21st century.
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