The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) have solidified their commitment to the decolonization and self-determination of Western Sahara by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the SADC Secretariat Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana. This significant agreement was signed by SADC’s Executive Secretary, His Excellency Mr. Elias M. Magosi, and SADR’s Ambassador to Botswana and Permanent Representative to SADC, His Excellency Mr. Bah El Mad Abdellah.
The MoU aims to implement resolutions adopted by the SADC Heads of State and Government in August 2019 concerning Western Sahara, as well as the Declaration from the SADC Solidarity Conference with the Sahrawi Republic held in March 2019 in Pretoria, South Africa.
At the 2019 Solidarity Conference, SADC member states and international participants expressed unwavering support for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and liberation and called for the urgent implementation of United Nations and African Union resolutions to hold a free and fair referendum in Western Sahara.
H.E. Magosi reaffirmed SADC’s steadfast solidarity with the Sahrawi Republic, acknowledging the ongoing struggles of its people in their quest for self-determination.
He emphasized that Western Sahara remains the only African territory still under colonial rule, as recognized by the United Nations decolonization framework. “The signing of this MoU is a testament to SADC’s strong commitment to supporting SADR/Western Sahara in achieving the fundamental right to determine its own future,” Magosi stated.
Ambassador El Mad Abdellah lauded the agreement as a crucial step toward enhancing cooperation, solidarity, and shared values between SADC and the Sahrawi people.
He expressed confidence in SADC’s potential to leverage its history of anti-colonial struggles to advocate for the Sahrawi cause, urging the regional bloc to utilize diplomatic channels, raise global awareness, and apply pressure on international bodies to recognize the Sahrawi people’s political aspirations, thereby accelerating their path to sovereignty and independence.
The signing ceremony was attended by key SADC officials, including the Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs, Professor Kula Ishmael Theletsane; SADC Legal Counsel Dr. Phineas Matto; and SADC Electoral Support Officer Mr. Elijah Munyuki.
This MoU reinforces SADC’s enduring dedication to supporting Western Sahara’s pursuit of self-determination, aligning with principles of international law, African solidarity, and the broader global movement against colonialism.
