The African National Congress (ANC) has strongly criticized former President Jacob Zuma for his recent endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, calling it a betrayal of South Africa’s long-standing foreign policy.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stated that Zuma’s recognition of Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara “does not come as a surprise,” accusing the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader of abandoning the ANC’s principled stance on the issue.
The controversy arose after Zuma was seen in social media posts visiting Morocco with the South African flag displayed behind him. During his trip, he voiced support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, which proposes limited self-governance for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty. This position starkly contrasts with the ANC’s decades-long support for the Sahrawi people’s right to full self-determination.
ANC Reaffirms Support for Western Sahara
Mbalula emphasized that the ANC’s position on Western Sahara has been consistent since 2007, when the party formally declared solidarity with the Sahrawi liberation movement, the Polisario Front.
“The ANC has been unwavering in its support for the people of Western Sahara,” Mbalula said. “Zuma, as ANC president and head of state, once reaffirmed this stance. Now, as leader of the MK Party, he has taken a sellout position.”
The ANC has long backed the African Union’s (AU) stance that Western Sahara is an occupied territory, while Morocco—which controls about 80% of the region—claims it as part of its sovereign land.
Zuma Accused of Undermining Sovereignty
Mbalula accused Zuma of undermining South Africa’s sovereignty by aligning with Morocco, which withdrew from the AU in 1984 over the Western Sahara dispute before rejoining in 2017.
“Jacob Zuma represents everything that is wrong and pursued by sellouts,” Mbalula declared. “We stand side by side with the Sahrawi people. Morocco must end its occupation.”
Political Motives Behind Zuma’s Shift?
Political analyst Dr. Levy Ndou suggested that Zuma’s shift could be a strategic move to gain Moroccan support for the MK Party, which is now South Africa’s third-largest political force.
“This could be an attempt to build relations with Morocco and position the MK Party as a player in African politics,” Dr. Ndou said. “Such a controversial stance will spark debate and keep the party relevant.”
The issue is expected to be discussed at this week’s Liberation Movement Summit, where the ANC may seek to reaffirm its solidarity with the Sahrawi cause.
As tensions rise, Zuma’s latest move has deepened the rift between his breakaway party and the ANC, further polarizing South Africa’s political landscape.