Pretoria (South Africa) 7 May 2025 (SPS)- The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) issued an official press release indicating that he received former outgoing Sahrawi Ambassador to South Africa, Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, to bid him farewell upon the end of his tenure in the country, and reiterating the Trade Union’s unwavering solidarity ad support to the just struggle of the Sahrawi people for freedom and liberation.
The Trade Union statement assured that its leadership met with the outgoing Sahrawi Ambassador “as part of our ongoing commitment to international solidarity and the global struggle against colonialism and occupation.”
COSATU also took the opportunity to bid ambassador Beisat farewell “and expressed congratulations on his appointment as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic,” the statement reads.
The historically revolutionary trade union and militants of COSATU, “reaffirm our resolution in solidarity with the people of Western Sahara and their inalienable right to self-determination, independence, and freedom from Moroccan occupation. As a Federation rooted in the liberation struggle and internationalism, we remain committed to our call for justice and dignity for the Sahrawi people” the statement stressed.
The meeting highlighted the urgent need to strengthen the solidarity movement across Africa and to deepen the work of rallying progressive forces on the continent in support of the Sahrawi cause.
COSATU emphasised the “importance of moving beyond declarations and building practical, action-based solidarity”, and further expressed “solidarity with the workers as led by UGTSARIO and their call for intensified solidarity against exploitation and for justice and dignity. “
To this end, COSATU is “committed to intensifying worker-to-worker engagement, initiating exchange visits, and supporting programmes that bring the plight of the Sahrawi people to the fore of the African and global working-class movement. The fight against colonialism is far from over, our unity and action are more critical than ever.”
COSATU also called on “all progressive trade unions, civil society formations, and African governments to act in defence of the Sahrawi people’s right to freedom and independence.” (SPS)
090/500/60 (SPS)
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