ANC Reaffirms Stance on Western Sahara Amid Controversy

JOHANNESBURG – The African National Congress (ANC) has recently reiterated its unwavering stance on the issue of Western Sahara. This development comes in the wake of accusations against Obed Bapela, the deputy chairperson of the party’s international relations sub-committee, regarding his supposed advocacy for stronger economic ties with Morocco.

Bapela is at the center of controversy for allegedly misrepresenting both his position and the ANC’s longstanding stance on the matter of Morocco. Reports suggest that during what he claims to be a personal family trip, Bapela presented himself as part of an official ANC delegation, raising questions about the intention and implications of his visit.

Nomvula Mokonyane, the chairperson of the ANC’s international relations sub-committee, expressed that the situation represents a serious breach of the party’s principles and policies. Mokonyane emphasized the importance of adhering to the ANC’s consistent calls for the rights of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, a core part of the party’s international stance for decades.

As a consequence, the ANC has restricted Bapela from making official statements on behalf of the party or the South African government. The party’s leadership expressed significant concern over his alleged comments, which were interpreted as a call for intensified economic relations with Morocco, contrary to the ANC’s position on the Sahrawi issue.

Furthermore, Mokonyane has sent a strongly-worded letter to Bapela, criticizing his purported deviation from the ANC’s firm position on the occupation of Western Sahara. While Bapela has been prohibited from representing the organization in an official capacity with immediate effect, he has been requested to provide an explanation regarding the details of his trip and the remarks attributed to him.