Doha – In a recent development that has stirred controversy within South Africa’s ruling party, African National Congress (ANC) member Obed Bapela faced criticism for his visit to Morocco on October 7.
Bapela, who serves as the deputy chairperson of the ANC’s International Relations Sub-committee, met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat, where he made several statements that have since become controversial.
During the meeting, Bapela called for the intensification of economic ties between the two nations. He also extended an invitation to Moroccan companies to invest in South Africa.
On a multilateral front, Bapela welcomed Morocco’s return to the African Union, highlighting the opportunities for joint action to address Africa’s challenges.
The visit has prompted a swift response from the ANC leadership. According to South African media reports, ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane has summoned Bapela to provide clarification on his remarks, which appear to contradict the party’s official policy.
“Your actions contradict our established positions and resolutions. Had it not been for our comrades in Algeria, who provided recorded evidence of the proceedings in Morocco, the ANC would have remained unaware of these misrepresentations and the implications they carry for our organisation,” she said.
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The ANC has long maintained support for the Polisario Front, which seeks separatism for the Western Sahara region in southern Morocco.
In a statement, the ANC reaffirmed its “principled and long-standing position of solidarity with the people of Western Sahara,” emphasizing its commitment to “anti-colonialism and the right to self-determination.”
The party stressed that Morocco’s presence in the Sahara “violates international law” and called for the implementation of United Nations resolutions demanding a referendum.
The party also instructed Bapela to “refrain from any unofficial engagement” that may seem contrary to the ANC’s position.
The incident comes against a backdrop of subtle shifts in South African-Moroccan relations. Prior to Bapela’s visit, the speakers of both countries’ parliaments met in Johannesburg in September, indicating a potential thaw in diplomatic ties.
However, the ANC’s reaction to Bapela’s visit underscores the complexities of this relationship, particularly given South Africa’s traditional support for the Polisario Front.
The party recently celebrated the ECJ ruling in favor of the Polisario, a move that could complicate efforts to deepen ties between Rabat and Pretoria.
Despite these challenges, a recent report from the South African Institute for Security Studies (ISS) suggests that support for the Polisario Front may be waning.
The think tank noted that the movement is “gradually but steadily losing ground” in its conflict with Morocco, citing growing international backing for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara region.
The ISS report highlighted the recognition of Morocco’s position by key global players, including the United States, Spain, and France.
It also pointed to an “erosion of support” for the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) within the African Union, with several African states either withdrawing or freezing their recognition in recent years.
Notably, the report quoted a South African government official acknowledging “an erosion of support for the SADR and a steady growth in support for Morocco’s claim to sovereignty.”
Even the Polisario Front’s representative in South Africa, Mohamed Beisat, admitted that the organization has struggled to mobilize international support to the same degree as the ANC did during its struggle against apartheid.
