Accra (Ghana), Sept 16, 2016 (SPS) - The Socialist Forum of Ghana (SFG) reaffirmed on Wednesday that Morocco cannot continue its colonial occupation of Western Sahara whiles seeking membership of the African Union, insisting that those who seek membership of the AU ought to accept the lofty principles of anti-colonialism, anti-racism and commitment to Pan Africanism which form the basis on which the organisation was founded.
“The Socialist Forum of Ghana is keenly observing the attempt by Morocco to be readmitted to the Africa Union and the very strange move to link Ghana to that attempt. Although Ghana has reaffirmed its recognition of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) emphasizing its commitment to the principle of self-determination for all people, it has been mentioned in official AU documents as a sponsor of the Moroccan initiative.” Indicated SFG in its press release
The press release also added “It is instructive that Morocco on its own withdrew from the AU in 1984 after the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic was accepted as member of the organisation. For 32 years Morocco has continued its colonial occupation of Western Sahara in blatant disregard of resolutions adopted by the African Union and it has trampled on the rights of the Saharawi people with reckless impunity.”
Erastus Mwencha , Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission has said in very clear terms that if Morocco wants to return to the organisation "There is a process they must go through". This simply means that the readmission of Morocco to the AU is not automatic and that it ought to apply for membership using existing protocol. Stated the press release of SFG
The SFG notes that Morocco has expelled dozens of MINURSO staff following the description of Morocco's annexation of Western Sahara as Occupation by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon MINURSO, the UN mission was established more than 20 years ago as part of the preparation for holding a referendum on the future of Western Sahara.
Ghana Forum recalled that over the years Morocco has frustrated the work of MINURSO and subverted the move to hold the referendum in the false belief that it can hold back the legitimate aspirations of the Saharawi People.
“We call strongly on the Government of Ghana to remain resolute in its support for the independence of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic and to uphold the principle of self-determination for all peoples. Ghana the torchbearer of national liberation in Africa cannot turn its back on the forces of national liberation and independence.” SFG concluded its press release SPS
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