After his visit to Morocco, ANC Deputy Chairperson Obed Bapela faced criticism from his party for remarks promoting economic cooperation with Morocco, which were seen as contradictory to the ANC's stance on the Sahara conflict.
Rachid Talbi Alami, Speaker of Morocco's House of Representatives, met with South Africa's National Assembly Speaker Angela Thokozile Didiza to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation. While Didiza expressed interest in deepening ties, relations remain strained as Morocco opposes South Africa’s involvement in the Western Sahara issue.
The Polisario Front's quest to establish a state in Western Sahara is gradually diminishing, according to a South African think tank, which added that South African officials believe the separatist front has failed to garner international support for its demands, while Morocco continues to rally support for its 2007 autonomy proposal.