Former South African President ‍Jacob Zuma has publicly endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan as a resolution to the decades-long Western Sahara ⁢conflict,a move that represents a significant departure from ⁤the⁤ traditional ‍stance of the African National Congress (ANC). Zuma’s declaration, made during a conference in Accra, Ghana, on August⁣ 20th, 2025, has ignited debate and signals a potential realignment of south African foreign policy.

Zuma argued that the fragmentation of the African continent thru support for separatist movements leaves nations⁣ vulnerable to external ‍influence and undermines their sovereignty. He specifically ⁣criticized the ANC’s ‍continued support for the‍ Polisario Front, suggesting its cause is destined for historical irrelevance. He lauded Ghana’s ‍recent embrace of the ‍Moroccan plan and urged other African nations to follow suit for the continent’s collective benefit.

A Call for a United Africa

“africa should not be divided to serve the interests of foreigners; the balkanization of the⁢ continent for the benefit of foreign interests is over,” Zuma stated, emphasizing the need for a unified and strong Africa. He praised Ghana’s shift in position,‍ which rejects the ⁢separatist agenda⁢ of the Polisario Front and its primary backer, Algeria, viewing it as⁣ a step towards a more cohesive continent free from⁣ conflict ‍and fragmentation.

ghana’s change of heart is especially noteworthy given its 1979 recognition of⁣ the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), proclaimed by the Polisario Front. This reversal was formalized on January 7th, 2025, with the presence ⁤of a former South African head of state as ⁣a witness.Further solidifying this commitment, Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita signed a joint declaration in June 2025, affirming the 2007 Moroccan autonomy plan as the sole viable path to a lasting solution.

Growing Support for Morocco’s plan

The Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, led by⁤ Zuma, has also publicly backed the Moroccan plan, asserting that “Western Sahara belongs historically to Morocco” and celebrating the 1975 Green march as a pivotal moment of liberation. Despite facing criticism from ⁢within South Africa, Zuma has defended his right to display the South African flag, citing a diplomatic note from the‍ South African Embassy in morocco dated July 11th, 2025,⁤ which contradicts the ANC’s official position.

This support comes as Morocco ⁣strengthens bilateral ties with South Africa,boasting over 20 agreements spanning trade,defense,agriculture,and communication technologies.Zuma emphasized the ⁢importance of consolidating these relationships for the mutual benefit of both nations and the broader African continent.

Historical Context and Shifting alliances

Diplomatic relations between South Africa ⁤and ⁤Morocco began to improve in May 1998 with the first session of the mixed South African Commission. Though, this positive‍ trajectory was disrupted in 2004 when Pretoria officially recognized the Polisario’s⁢ SADR, prompting Morocco to recall its ‍ambassador.

currently, over 120 countries worldwide recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, representing more than 60% of UN member⁢ states. Since 2000, 46 nations, including 13 in Africa, have withdrawn their recognition of the polisario Front.Recent endorsements from Kenya and ghana, alongside major global powers like the ⁣United States, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, ⁢further isolate the separatist movement.