Harare, June 07, 2018 (SPS) – President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Cde. E.D. Mnangagwa has reassured to his counterpart, President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Mr. Brahim Gali his country unwavering support for the Sahrawi People's right to self-determination and independence, in joint communiqué culminated the official visit of the Saharwi President to Zimbabwe
“President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe's commitment to supporting efforts with the aim to implement the settlement plan signed by both Parties in 1991 and endorsed by the OAU and the United Nations providing for the holding of a referendum on self-determination.” joint communiqué says
The two sides have recalled the longstanding relations between the Zimbabwean people and Sahrawi people, dating back to the years of Zimbabwe's liberation struggle, expressing satisfaction at the historical brotherly bonds of solidarity shared between the two countries, and expressed their commitment to work together to strengthen these relations.
The two Presidents have also expressed confidence in the efforts made by the UN Secretary General's Personal Envoy on Western Sahara, former President Prof. Horst Kohler and the AU Special Envoy on Western Sahara, H.E. Joachim Chissano, to restart peace talks with the aim of reaching a permanent solution to the conflict. President Mnangagwa and President Gali both stressed the importance of holding a free and fair referendum to allow the Sahrawi people to determine their destiny, in the very near future.
They stressed Morocco's obligation, as a member of the continental body, to adhere to the principles enshrined in the African Union Constitutive Act, particularly the need to respect colonial borders, and the territorial integrity of other Member States.
For his part, President Gali welcomed the decision of the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit to hold a Solidarity Conference on Western Sahara, to generate international solidarity and support for the plight of the Sahrawi people, the last colony on the African continent. SPS
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