South Africa, June 01, 2016 - President Jacob Zuma, on behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of South Africa, expresses his deepest condolences to the Saharawi people on the passing away of President Mohamed Abdelaziz, President of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and Secretary-General of the Polisario Front.
President Abdelaziz committed his life to the struggle for the independence of the Saharawi people from colonisation.
He was a founding member of the Polisario Front and until his passing had remained committed to the process of peaceful negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations, for the holding of a referendum on the self-determination of Western Sahara.
President Zuma also conveys his sincerest condolences to the wife of President Abdelaziz and his family during this difficult time.
South Africa remains committed to continue supporting the inalienable right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara through the UN-led negotiations and with the support of the African Union.SPS
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