South African opposition leader Jacob Zuma voices support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Sahara

In a significant diplomatic development, South African opposition party “uMkhonto we Sizwe,” led by former President Jacob Zuma, has publicly endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara, marking a sharp departure from the long-standing position of South Africa’s ruling party.

Speaking at a press conference in Rabat on Wednesday following talks with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Zuma reaffirmed his party’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty and called on the international community to back what he described as a “realistic and pragmatic solution” to the decades-long conflict.

Zuma said the uMkhonto we Sizwe party regularly discusses critical issues affecting the African continent and believes that African nations must collectively work toward unity and self-determination.

Historic Ties and a Call for Stability

Reading a statement on behalf of Zuma, the party’s Head of International Relations, Magasala Mzobe, highlighted the long-standing ties between Morocco and South Africa, dating back to the anti-apartheid struggle. He recalled that the late Nelson Mandela received training and support from Morocco in the city of Oujda, which was instrumental in the South African liberation movement.

Addressing the Sahara issue, Mzobe stressed that the party is committed to peaceful resolutions of regional conflicts and emphasized the need for exemplary relations between African nations. “In light of global geopolitical shifts,” he said, “our party supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of African states.”

Backing Morocco’s Autonomy Plan

The uMkhonto we Sizwe party views Morocco’s autonomy initiative as the only viable solution that ensures both local governance and national unity. Mzobe urged the international community to rally behind the Moroccan plan as a pathway to regional peace and stability.

This move challenges the pro-separatist stance of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which has long supported the Polisario Front’s claim to secession. Zuma’s party accuses the ANC of compromising South Africa’s interests in favor of outdated ideological commitments.

Growing Rift in South African Politics

Analysts say the endorsement by Zuma’s party reflects a growing divide within South Africa’s political establishment over foreign policy, particularly concerning the Sahara conflict. The statement aligns with previous comments by Obed Bapela, a former senior member of the ANC, and adds momentum to Morocco’s diplomatic outreach within the South African political sphere.

Observers suggest this may mark the beginning of a broader political realignment in Pretoria’s approach to North African geopolitics. With increasing support from various South African political figures, Morocco’s position on its southern territories appears to be gaining traction across the continent.