Brahim Ghali in South Africa four weeks before the upcoming AU summit in Mauritania

After visiting Namibia and Lesotho, Polisario leader Brahim Ghali arrived Saturday, 2nd of June, in the South African capital.

This is the second time that Ghali visits Pretoria since he was appointed two years ago as head of the separatist movement, following the death of Mohamed Abdelaziz. His first trip to South Africa took place in January 2017, just three weeks before the African Union summit that accepted Morocco's membership.

Now, Ghali's visit to South Africa comes only four weeks before Mauritania hosts the next African Union conference.

Getting ready for the AU summit in Mauritania

Ghali's trip to South Africa is crucial for the Polisario. The movement is trying to seek its allies for support ahead of the summit. It is in this context that Ghali and his «Foreign Minister» Mohamed Ould Salek are touring southern Africa.

Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat is to present, during the upcoming summit, a «detailed report», as he promised in January, on resolution 653 adopted during the AU 29th summit, hosted on the 3rd and 4th of July 2017 in Addis Ababa.

The above-mentioned resolution touches upon the «measures and initiatives» the Chadian politician «will take in partnership with the United Nations only on the Western Sahara conflict», says resolution 653.

Moussa Faki had already discussed the subject with the Algerian officials and the Mauritanian President Mohammed Ould Abdelaziz.

For the record, Moussa Faki Mahamat has already invited the Polisario to take part in the African Union-European Union Summit, held on 29 and 30 November 2017 in Abidjan, only twenty-four hours after a trip to South Africa.

The Front is also aware that the influence of this country on the continent is now more impacting than that of Algeria.

This second visit to Pretoria should reassure Ghali about Cyril Ramaphosa's intentions. For now, the new president continues with the policy of his predecessor, showing support for the Front.

This was confirmed weeks ago when South Africa refused to reveal whether it is backing Morocco's bid to host the 2026 World Cup or not.