South African ANC Grapples with Diplomatic Rift Over Morocco Visit

Saturday 12 October 2024 - 09:15

The African National Congress (ANC), South Africa's ruling party, has found itself embroiled in a diplomatic controversy following a recent visit to Morocco by one of its prominent members. Obed Bapela, deputy chairperson of the ANC's International Relations Sub-committee, met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat on October 7, sparking a heated debate within the party and highlighting the complex dynamics of South African-Moroccan relations.

During his visit, Bapela made several statements that have since become contentious. He called for strengthening economic ties between South Africa and Morocco, even extending an invitation for Moroccan companies to invest in South Africa. Furthermore, Bapela welcomed Morocco's return to the African Union, emphasizing the potential for collaborative efforts in addressing continental challenges.

The ANC leadership, however, was quick to respond to Bapela's actions. Nomvula Mokonyane, the party's first deputy secretary-general, summoned Bapela to explain his remarks, which appear to contradict the ANC's official stance. "Your actions contradict our established positions and resolutions," Mokonyane stated, revealing that the party only became aware of the situation through evidence provided by their "comrades in Algeria."

This incident has brought to light the ANC's long-standing support for the Polisario Front, an organization seeking independence for the Sahara region in southern Morocco. In a firm statement, the ANC reaffirmed its "principled and long-standing position of solidarity with the people of Sahara," underlining its commitment to anti-colonialism and the right to self-determination.

The party went further, asserting that Morocco's presence in the Sahara "violates international law" and called for the implementation of United Nations resolutions demanding a referendum in the region. As a result, Bapela was instructed to refrain from any unofficial engagements that might appear to contradict the ANC's position.

This diplomatic kerfuffle comes at a time when subtle shifts in South African-Moroccan relations were beginning to emerge. Prior to Bapela's visit, the speakers of both countries' parliaments met in Johannesburg in September, hinting at a potential thaw in diplomatic ties. However, the ANC's strong reaction to Bapela's visit underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding this relationship.

Adding another layer to this diplomatic puzzle is a recent report from the South African Institute for Security Studies (ISS). The think tank suggests that support for the Polisario Front may be waning on the international stage. The report notes 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 highlights the recognition of Morocco's position by key global players, including the United States, Spain, and France. It also points 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.

Interestingly, the report quotes 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 to challenges in mobilizing international support comparable to the ANC's struggle against apartheid.

As South Africa navigates these complex diplomatic waters, the incident involving Bapela's visit to Morocco serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between historical allegiances and evolving geopolitical realities. The ANC's response to this situation not only reflects its internal policy struggles but also highlights the broader challenges facing African diplomacy in an ever-changing global landscape.