Mozambique: Western Sahara minister calls for dialogue as ‘key’ to stability

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Mozambique: Western Sahara minister calls for dialogue as ‘key’ to stability

6:55 CAT | 20 Jan 2025

Photo: Presidency

The government of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) – better known as Western Sahara – on Friday called for dialogue in Mozambique as the “key” to stability in the wake of the contested general elections in the southern African country, as it expressed an interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

“The most important thing is to develop dialogue,” Mohamed Sidati, SADR foreign minister, told reporters after a meeting with Mozambique’s newly installed president, Daniel Chapo, in Maputo. “To peacefully develop the process of brotherhood, reunion between all the [players]… This process of dialogue, this democratic process… is a key that can lead to more stability, development, prosperity for Mozambique and the Mozambican people.”

He pointed to the good relations of friendship, solidarity and co-operation with Mozambique, with which the SADR shares relations “forged in history and in the common struggle against colonialism,” as he recalled.

“We want to express our desire to strengthen this relationship of co-operation, friendship and solidarity, and above all to wish the people of Mozambique more stability,” the minister said.

With a vast desert expanse of 266,000 square kilometres, located to the north of Mauritania, Western Sahara is the last territory on the African continent whose post-colonial status has not yet been defined. Morocco controls more than 80% of its territory, in the west, the Polisario Front less than 20%, in the east, with these two parts separated by a sand wall and a buffer zone policed by United Nations forces.

In Mozambique, Chapo’s election has been contested in the streets since October, when the polls took place, with supporters of his main rival, Venâncio Mondlane – who, according to the Constitutional Council, won 24% of the vote, but who claims victory – demanding that “electoral truth be restored” and setting up barricades, looting, and clashing with the police. The violence has seen more than 300 people killed and over 600 other people shot and injured, according to civil society organisations monitoring the process.

Source: Lusa