SADC and Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic Sign Landmark MoU in Support of Decolonisation
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), also known as Western Sahara, have taken a historic step in strengthening diplomatic ties and supporting the decolonisation efforts of SADR/Western Sahara. On April 2, 2025, the two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the SADC Secretariat Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana.
The agreement was signed by SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Elias M. Magosi, and SADR Ambassador to Botswana and Permanent Representative to SADC, His Excellency Bah El Mad Abdellah.
The MoU marks a significant milestone in fulfilling the commitments made by SADC Heads of State and Government during the SADC Solidarity Conference with Western Sahara in March 2019 in Pretoria, South Africa, and subsequent resolutions adopted in August 2019.
H.E. Magosi reaffirmed SADC’s unwavering support for the people of Western Sahara, who remain the last African territory still under colonial rule, as recognized by the United Nations.
He emphasized that SADC will continue advocating for their right to self-determination, ensuring that their struggle for sovereignty remains a key priority on the regional and international agenda.
“The SADC region will not forget or neglect the plight of the people of Western Sahara, their daily struggle for survival, and their ultimate hope of exercising their right to self-determination,” Magosi stated.
H.E. Ambassador El Mad Abdellah welcomed the signing of the MoU as a crucial step towards deepening cooperation and solidarity between SADR and SADC.
He highlighted the importance of SADC’s historic role in Africa’s anti-colonial movements and expressed confidence that the regional bloc would continue to leverage diplomatic channels to push for the recognition of SADR’s political aspirations and sovereignty.
“This MoU symbolizes our shared commitment to advancing the cause of the Sahrawi people and strengthening the bonds of cooperation, solidarity, and mutual values,” he said.
The agreement also underscores SADC’s pledge, made during the 2019 Solidarity Conference in Pretoria, to raise the issue of Western Sahara’s decolonisation at multilateral forums and bilateral engagements with international partners.
The signing ceremony was attended by key SADC officials, including Professor Kula Ishmael Theletsane, Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs, Dr. Phineas Matto, SADC Legal Counsel, and Mr. Elijah Munyuki, SADC Electoral Support Officer.
