Bir Lehlou (Sahrawi Republic) 25 May 2025 (SPS) – On the occasion of Africa Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic extended its heartfelt congratulations to the peoples and governments of the continent, reaffirming its pride in belonging to a continental space that embodies the values of liberation, unity, and dignity.
In a Press Release issued today, the Ministry called for greater African solidarity to end the Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara. It stressed the need to uphold the decisions of the African Union, including the 2020 "Silencing the Guns" summit resolution, which affirms the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination in line with the principles of the AU’s Constitutive Act.
Following is the full text of the Press Release:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
Press Release on the Occasion of Africa Day
On the occasion of Africa Day, celebrated annually on May 25th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic extends its warmest greetings to all our brothers and sisters across the peoples and governments of our African continent. We renew our pride in belonging to this united continental space, which stands as a symbol of struggle, liberation, and dignity.
Africa Day is not merely a commemoration of the founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963; it is a day to reflect on the long journey of our peoples towards freedom and independence. It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to the noble ideals laid down by the founding fathers: African unity, respect for the sovereignty of states, the sanctity of borders inherited upon independence, and adherence to the values of justice, human rights, and the rights of peoples.
On this significant occasion, the Sahrawi Republic expresses deep gratitude and pride for the unwavering and continuous support its just cause receives from African peoples and states, particularly through the steadfast position of the African Union in defending the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and the completion of their national sovereignty.
The Sahrawi Republic reaffirms the vital role of the African Union and all African peoples who believe in its principles in supporting the Sahrawi people's struggle to liberate the occupied territories of an African state that is a founding member of the Union. This is a collective responsibility, rooted in our shared commitment to the spirit of liberation and justice upon which the OAU and AU were built.
In this context, the Sahrawi Republic underscores the importance of respecting the decisions of the AU and its various institutions—most notably the critical resolution adopted by the 2020 Extraordinary Summit on “Silencing the Guns,” which emphasized the need to resolve the Western Sahara conflict through a solution that ensures the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination, in accordance with UN resolutions and relevant AU decisions, and in line with the principles and objectives of the AU Constitutive Act.
As a founding member of the African Union, the Sahrawi Republic renews its full commitment to the principles, objectives, and values on which the Union was built. It reaffirms its readiness to actively contribute to building a united, secure, and prosperous continent grounded in the rule of law, justice, human dignity, and the rights of peoples.
Furthermore, the Sahrawi Republic warns against all attempts to undermine the sovereignty and independence of African states through illegal occupation of their territories, the systematic looting of their resources, or efforts to hinder their progress—such as the situation in Western Sahara, the last remaining colony in Africa.
On this historic day, the Sahrawi Republic issues a sincere call to all vibrant forces across Africa to strengthen their solidarity with the Sahrawi people's struggle until they achieve their full right to freedom and independence, just like all African peoples who have fought for their self-determination.
Long live a free and united Africa
Long live the struggle of the Sahrawi people
Bir Lehlou, May 25, 2025
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Sahrawi Republic." (SPS)
090/500/60 (SPS)
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