South Africa's ANC rebukes MP over comments on Morocco ties, reaffirms support for Polisario

Shortly after visiting Morocco, the Deputy Chairperson of South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) Sub-Committee on International Relations, Obed Bapela, has come under scrutiny.

Bapela visited Morocco on October 7, holding talks with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. During their meeting, Bapela emphasized the need to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. He also extended an invitation to Moroccan companies to invest in South Africa.

The ANC was quick to respond, stating on Wednesday, October 9, in a press release shared on its official website that it had «noted with concern remarks attributed» to Bapela during his Morocco visit.

The ANC argued that the remarks in question contradict its official stance on Morocco «a nation that continues its illegal occupation of Western Sahara».

South Africa backtracks on strengthening ties with Morocco

The South African ruling party further clarified that it has «a principled and long-standing position of solidarity with the people of Western Sahara» and has, since its inception, «aligned itself with the struggles of oppressed peoples around the world».

Reaffirming continued support for the Polisario Front, the ANC stressed that it has «consistently condemned Morocco's occupation and viewed it as a violation of international law, and called for the implementation of United Nations resolutions that demand a referendum on self-determination for the Sahrawi people».

Regarding the remarks allegedly attributed to its MP, ANC's 1st Deputy Secretary-General and Chairperson of the Sub-Committee on International Relations, Nomvula Mokonyane requested Bapela to «provide clarification on these remarks», which it believes «contradict the ANC's long-standing policy on Morocco's illegal occupation».

The ANC's statement concluded with explicit support for the Polisario, promising to work with its allies, including Algeria «to ensure that the people of Western Sahara achieve the freedom they have long been denied».

It is worth noting that Bapela's visit followed a meeting between Moroccan Speaker of the House of Representatives Rachid Talbi Alami and South African National Assembly Speaker Angela Thokozile Didiza in Johannesburg on September 20.

Diplomatic relations between Rabat and Pretoria have been strained for years due to South Africa's support for the Polisario Front. This trend has continued to grow, with the most recent example being the ANC's celebration of the European Union Court of Justice's October 4 ruling in favor of the Polisario Front.