South Africa addresses the Sahara issue during a UN Security Council meeting

The UN Security Council held a meeting, Wednesday, on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. During the meeting, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his appeal for a global ceasefire amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The South African permanent representative to the United Nations, Jerry Matjila, warned the members of the Security Council, during the same meeting, about the «serious situation of the Sahrawi civilian population in the occupied areas by the Moroccan regime, and insisting that it is not receiving the necessary and adequate attention».

It should be recalled that a cease-fire has been observed in the Sahara since September 1991. The ambassador also regretted the «lack of international attention in the face of the difficult situation suffered by people from prolonged conflicts such as the decolonization process of Western Sahara or Palestine».

Matjila’s statement comes to support Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech on the Africa Day. «As Africans we will continue to stand on the side of justice and support the people of Western Sahara in their enduring struggle for freedom and self-determination», he said.