Gaborone (Botswana) 9 March 2025 (SPS)– In a significant diplomatic gesture, Botswana’s President Gideon Boko has reaffirmed his country’s steadfast support for the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and its pursuit of self-determination and independence.
In a letter addressed to Sahrawi President Brahim Ghali, and dated on February 28, President Boko congratulated the Sahrawi people on the 49th anniversary of their declaration of independence. He underscored Botswana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with the SADR and expressed hope that the longstanding friendship between the two nations would continue to flourish.
“Sahrawi is a cherished friend of Botswana, and it is therefore my sincere hope that our longstanding friendship will continue to blossom for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples,” President Boko stated in the letter.
Reaffirming Botswana’s unwavering stance on the Western Sahara issue, President Boko assured President Ghali that his government would continue to stand in solidarity with the Sahrawi people in their struggle for self-determination. “Botswana supports and will continue standing in solidarity with the Sahrawi people in their pursuit of self-determination and independence,” he emphasized.
The letter is a clear indication of Botswana’s diplomatic position on the ongoing struggle for independence in Western Sahara, where the Sahrawi people have long sought full sovereignty over their land.
President Boko also extended his best wishes to President Ghali and the Sahrawi people, expressing his hope for their continued prosperity. “Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration and esteem, as well as my best wishes for your continued personal good health and prosperity for the people of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic,” he wrote.
Botswana has consistently supported the Sahrawi cause within the African Union and other international platforms, aligning itself with countries that advocate for the decolonization of Western Sahara. This latest reaffirmation of support further solidifies the diplomatic ties between the two countries, signaling continued advocacy for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
As the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic marks nearly five decades since its declaration of independence, Botswana’s message serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for sovereignty in Western Sahara and the international backing that remains crucial to its realization. (SPS)
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