Diplomatic Rifts Widen Between South Africa and Morocco Over Western Sahara
In recent months, diplomatic relations between South Africa and Morocco have been notably strained, marked by controversies stemming from former South African President Jacob Zuma’s visit to Morocco in July 2025. The visit has sparked heated debates over Western Sahara sovereignty, the involvement of national symbols, and potential shifts in foreign policy alignments within South Africa.
Contentious National Symbols and Diplomatic Protocols
The African National Congress (ANC) and South African officials have expressed strong objections to the utilization of South African national symbols during Moroccan political events. Such actions have been perceived as breaches of diplomatic protocol. South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) officially condemned Morocco’s use of the national flag, asserting the importance of respecting international diplomatic norms. These tensions underscore broader debates regarding South Africa’s long-standing policy on Western Sahara, a region Morocco claims as its own.
Shifting Political Stances and New Party Dynamics
Adding to the diplomatic rift, the newly established MK party, led by Jacob Zuma, has formally recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. This move marks a significant departure from traditional South African foreign policy, which has historically supported the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. The MK party’s roadmap for strengthening partnerships with Morocco envisions greater cooperation on African unity, economic emancipation, and political stability.
The ANC has criticized this shift, highlighting the party’s divergence from South Africa’s long-held stance on the Western Sahara issue. In response, analysts suggest that Morocco’s alleged “dollar diplomacy,” a strategy of using financial incentives to garner international support for its claims over Western Sahara, may be influencing political realignments in the region.
Calls for Reconciliation and Diplomatic Engagement
Despite the heightened tensions, efforts to mend relations have not been entirely abandoned. There have been discussions aimed at finding common ground between the two nations to resolve their differences and promote mutual interests. However, these attempts at rapprochement remain complicated by the divergent positions on the Western Sahara dispute.
In concluding statements, the ANC reaffirmed its commitment to international norms and the importance of respecting national symbols as part of its foreign policy. The party remains critical of recent moves that seem at odds with its foundational diplomatic principles. The unfolding events underscore the complex nature of diplomatic relationships and the ongoing challenges posed by differing political ambitions and national interests.