Sydney (Australia), 27 February 2026 (SPS) – The Saharawi flag was raised today in Sydney, Australia, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), in a gesture of solidarity and friendship with the Saharawi people.
A group of Australian supporters and friends gathered at Leichhardt Town Hall for the flag-raising ceremony, in the presence of the Saharawi Representative to Australia, Mr. Kamal Fadel. The ceremony formed part of a series of events held across Australia to mark the historic occasion.
Following the raising of the Saharawi national flag, Mr. Fadel addressed attendees, underlining the significance of the 50th anniversary and reflecting on the achievements of the Saharawi people over the past five decades in building and consolidating their national institutions under the framework of the SADR. He noted that the Saharawi Republic is a full member of the African Union and is recognised by more than eighty countries worldwide.
The Saharawi diplomat also briefed participants on the latest developments in Western Sahara and ongoing international efforts aimed at reaching a peaceful, just and lasting solution to the decolonisation of the Territory. He reaffirmed the unwavering determination of the Saharawi people to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, stressing that their demand remains the respect of international legality and the implementation of relevant United Nations resolutions, in line with the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on Western Sahara.
Commemorative activities were likewise organised in other Australian cities. On 25 February 2026, a dinner event was held in Melbourne by Australian Western Sahara Association, Victoria Branch, drawing a large number of supporters and friends of Western Sahara.
Guest speaker Jelena Vicentic, political scientist and activist, addressed the gathering, recounting her six-month stay in the Saharawi refugee camps and her involvement in demining activities. She highlighted that the Territory of Western Sahara remains heavily contaminated with landmines and explosive remnants of war.
On 27 February 2026, the City of Yarra flew the Saharawi flag at Fitzroy Town Hall, continuing a tradition of more than ten years of commemorating the anniversary through this symbolic gesture.
In addition, the Saharawi flag was raised at the Ballarat Trades Hall during a ceremony attended by trade union representatives and members of Australia Western Sahara solidarity associations, reaffirming their steadfast support for the Saharawi people and their just cause.
The series of events across Australia reflects the enduring solidarity of Australian supporters with the Saharawi people on the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of their Republic. (SPS)
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