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After several days of silence, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has finally responded to former President Jacob Zuma’s show of support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. Zuma, who now heads the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, had sparked controversy with his position.
«We condemn the opportunistic involvement of Jacob Zuma, who has aligned himself with efforts that erode South Africa’s standing in the international commuity and betray the principles of non-alignment, peace, and anti-colonial solidarity that he once purported to uphold», the ANC said in a statement.
«It is shameful that a former leader of a liberation movement s betraying our historical mission and showing his true colors as he stands in opposition to the aim of contributing to the creation of a better Africa and world that is more humane, just, equitable, democratic, and free».
The ANC concluded this section of its statement, addressing Zuma’s visit to Morocco, by reaffirming its position: «We reiterate our call for the completion of the decolonization process in Africa, in order to safeguard the right to self-determination for African peoples still under colonial rule. The ANC calls upon all progressive forces within the continent and around the world to intensify their solidarity with the people of Western Sahara in their pursuit of self-determination».
The South African Flag and a Diplomatic Incident
The party also expressed «deep concern over a troubling situation involving the Kingdom of Morocco». It condemned the use of South Africa’s national flag during a bilateral meeting with an opposition figure «who does not represent the democratically elected government of South Africa».
«This reckless and provocative act constitutes a flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms and constitutes an unacceptable intrusion into South Africa’s internal political affairs. It is a dangerous attempt to delegitimize our constitutional order and discredit the authority of a democratically elected government», the ANC stated.
«The inclusion of our national symbols in partisan activities hosted by foreign powers is not only misleading but part of a broader agenda of foreign interference», Ramaphosa’s party added.
The ANC has called on the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue a formal diplomatic protest to Morocco and to demand immediate clarification and an official apology from Moroccan authorities.
This diplomatic protest, however, comes as a surprise. The South African flag was visibly displayed, alongside the Algerian flag, during a meeting in December 2023 between the ANC’s secretary-general and Salah Goudjil, the former president of Algeria’s Upper House. The flag was also present during talks between Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and senior ANC officials.
In South Africa, Jacob Zuma’s MK party, now the country’s third-largest political force, has positioned itself as a leading opponent of President Ramaphosa’s administration. Political tensions have been mounting in recent weeks. On Friday, MK supporters held a demonstration outside the presidential palace in Pretoria, calling for Ramaphosa’s resignation.
