Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) backed Government’s position on Western Sahara, affirming that Africa cannot be free as long as Western Sahara is not free, in a Press Statement it issued Today in reaction to Africa Day’s statement of Botswana’s Minister for External relation, Honourable Dr. Lemogang Kwape, last Tuesday 25th may.
Following is the full text of the Press Release as published by BFTU:
27 May, 2021
TO ALL MEDIA HOUSES
PRESS STATEMENT
BFTU ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT’s SUPPORT FOR SAHARAWI ON AFRICA DAY
The Botswana Federation of Trade Unions(BFTU) would like to acknowledge with a deep sense of pride and gratitude the Botswana government’s position on the state of Western Sahara (Saharawi Republic) in its Africa Day message through the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr. Lemogang Kwape.
The Minister noted that it is regrettable that, while the Africa Day celebrations present an opportunity to reflect on our successes and prospects for the future, “today we still have some countries on the continent that have not attained their political independence and self- determination such as the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic”.
He further highlighted the fact that the principles of self- determination, freedom and political independence remained the cornerstones of the Organization of African Unity which later became African Union.
BFTU commends government’s position for aligning with and reiterating a stand that has been maintained by the continental body for a long time. Indeed, there is no justification, politically or morally for a fellow African country to occupy and torment another African territory.
We thus support the government of Botswana that Africa must speak with one voice and do everything within its reach to assure the liberation of the last remaining colony in the continent. We also vehemently believe that ‘Africa cannot be free unless Western Sahara is free’.
The continued usurpation of the natural resources of the Saharawi by Morocco must therefore be regarded as a clear act of daylight robbery which must not be condoned by the AU and the world generally
Yours Sincerely
Thusang Butale (Mr)
SECRETARY GENERAL
