Mbalula Condemns Jacob Zuma Over Support for Morocco

(MENAFN) Fikile Mbalula, the secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC), has sharply criticized Jacob Zuma, leader of the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, calling him a “sellout” for backing Morocco.

According to Mbalula, the ANC is not taken aback by Zuma’s stance.

Western Sahara, a largely uninhabited desert area on the northwestern edge of Africa, was once under Spanish control. In 1975, Morocco claimed the territory, sparking a long-standing conflict with the native Saharawi population, who are represented by the Polisario Front.

This backlash from the ANC follows a recent visit by Zuma to Morocco, where he met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in the capital, Rabat.

During his visit, Zuma voiced his endorsement of Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara, positioning himself against the Polisario Front, which is backed by Algeria and advocates for the region’s independence.

Earlier this week, the MK Party issued a formal policy statement outlining their viewpoint. They asserted that South Africa and Morocco should pursue closer diplomatic ties, emphasizing mutual respect for “sovereignty, territorial integrity, and African unity.”

“The MK Party’s identity is deeply rooted in the historic struggle for liberation and dignity in South Africa,” the statement declared.

“Similarly, Morocco’s history is marked by its resistance to colonial domination and its determined pursuit of national unity.”

The MK Party emphasized the shared histories of both nations, shaped by their respective battles against colonization — apartheid in South Africa and both French and Spanish control in Morocco.

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