Jacob Zuma’s MK party, the country’s official opposition, has backed Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, breaking from Zuma’s former party’s position regarding the right to determination of the Sahrawi people.
The ANC splinter party, through a new policy document, has also called for SA to restore trade and diplomatic relations with Northern African country based on sovereignty, territorial integrity and African unity.
The shift comes as a notable geopolitical pivot as the ANC has consistently supported the Saharawi people’s right to self determination. MK’s position could signal a realignment that could carry broader diplomatic implications.
The MK stance could also be viewed as a push by the party to distinguish itself from the ANC on foreign policy as it seeks to broaden its appeal ahead of the 2026 local government elections, where it will be contesting the municipal polls for the first time.
Relations between SA and Morocco have been historically strained over its continued occupation of Western Sahara, the only African state yet to achieve independence from colonial occupation.
The ANC maintains strong ties with the Polisario Front, the liberation movement advocating for Sahrawi independence, reinforcing Pretoria’s long-standing support for self-determination in the disputed region.
MK said Morocco’s claim over the disputed territory was based on historical legitimacy.
“Our party recognises the historical and legal context that underpins Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara. The region has long been a part of Morocco, both before and after the colonial occupation of the Spanish, and Morocco’s sovereignty over it should be respected,” the MK document reads.
“Morocco’s proposal for autonomy in Western Sahara must be looked into within the context of the unification of African people and the principles of self-determination. Morocco’s proposal allows for significant local governance by the Sahrawi people, while ensuring that Morocco retains its sovereignty over the region. This approach could offer a balanced path forward that promotes stability, peace, and development in a region long plagued by conflict.”
The MK party says SA and Morocco share a responsibility to defend the interests of the African continent, saying it is in the best interest of both countries to restore relations.
“Taking into account the micro-/macroeconomic similarities that exist between our two countries, SA being the largest investor in the continent, and with Morocco’s progressive economic footprint on the continent as the second largest investor in Africa, could together unlock enormous trade potential, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area [AfCFTA],” the MK document reads.
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