Historic Breakthrough: South Africa’s MK Party Endorses Morocco’s Sahara Autonomy Plan

In a move with far-reaching diplomatic implications, South Africa’s Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party—led by former President Jacob Zuma—formally supports Morocco’s autonomy initiative for Western Sahara, citing sovereignty, peace, and African unity.

July 16, 2025 – Rabat & Johannesburg

In a striking development that could reshape the dynamics of African diplomacy, former South African President Jacob Zuma, leader of the newly resurgent Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, has publicly endorsed Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara. This significant show of support was announced after high-level talks with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat.

“The Moroccan autonomy plan allows for significant local governance by the people of the Sahara region while ensuring that Morocco retains its sovereignty over the territory,” Zuma stated during a press conference. “It is a pragmatic and dignified path toward peace, stability, and African self-determination.”

⚖️ Diplomatic Shift: Historical and Legal Context

Zuma’s endorsement marks a departure from the longstanding neutral or pro-Polisario stance held by various segments of the South African political spectrum. The former president emphasized that the MK Party now recognizes the historical and legal context underpinning Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara.

“The Sahara issue cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader historical legacy of colonialism in Africa,” Zuma added. “Morocco’s efforts to reclaim its territorial integrity are in line with our party’s commitment to defending the sovereignty and unity of African states.”

His comments echo a growing consensus across the continent, as more African nations reconsider decades-old positions and align with Rabat’s vision of autonomy as a compromise solution.

📈 Widening Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal

Originally presented to the United Nations in 2007, Morocco’s autonomy plan proposes granting significant self-governance to the Saharan provinces while maintaining national sovereignty. The proposal has garnered increasing support from African, Arab, and Western nations—including the United States, Spain, and several Gulf states.

Zuma noted that “international and continental support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative has grown steadily in recent years,” describing it as “a balanced path forward that promotes stability, peace, and development in the region.”

🤝 Rekindling Morocco–South Africa Relations

This endorsement is seen as a continuation of the diplomatic thaw that began in 2017, when His Majesty King Mohammed VI met with Jacob Zuma on the sidelines of the AU-EU Summit in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. That meeting paved the way for a re-engagement between Rabat and Pretoria after years of strained relations.

“This is not just about Western Sahara,” a senior Moroccan diplomat told MAG212NEWS. “It’s about building a future in which African nations respect each other’s sovereignty and collaborate to address shared challenges—security, development, and unity.”

🌍 Broader Implications for Africa

Zuma’s support could embolden other African political actors to follow suit. Analysts say the MK Party’s endorsement holds symbolic weight in the African Nationalist tradition, especially coming from a former liberation movement.

“This move represents an inflection point,” said Dr. Leila Bahhar, a political analyst at the Rabat Institute for African Studies. “It breaks old ideological alignments and prioritizes pragmatism and unity over polarization.”

At a grassroots level, the endorsement has resonated with Sahrawi youth and civil society groups advocating for economic opportunity, education, and peace. Many see autonomy as a viable compromise that avoids the risks of prolonged conflict or fragmentation.

✍️ Conclusion: A New Chapter in African Unity

While challenges remain in resolving the Sahara dispute at the UN level, the growing African support for Morocco’s autonomy plan—now endorsed by the MK Party—signals a shift toward homegrown solutions rooted in continental legitimacy and shared sovereignty.

As Zuma concluded in Rabat:

“Let us not be divided by relics of foreign-imposed borders. Africa must unite behind solutions that reflect our realities, respect our people, and secure our future.”