THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA’S POSITION ON THE QUESTION OF WESTERN SAHARA

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has noted with deep concern the Communique’ issued by the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) and the Tanzania Peace Foundation following a Joint Seminar organized by the two parties on the topic : “The Imperative of Post-Covid Recovery: How Can the Resolution of the Sahara Issue Spur African Stability and Integration?” held on 16th October, 2021 in Dar es Salaam.

Tanzania wishes to inform the general public that it categorically disassociates itself from the opinions and sentiments expressed in the said issued Communique. The statements, observations and opinions expressed by the participants are their personal views and do not in any way reflect the position of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania on the question of Western Sahara.

Tanzania has been following closely the long-standing Western Sahara conflict and continues to support efforts aimed at resolving this matter peacefully. Tanzania’s Foreign Policy is deeply embedded in promoting peace and security through active involvement in peaceful efforts of which the question of Western Sahara is no exception. 

Tanzania’s position on the question of Western Sahara has not changed. Tanzania has always stood firm on human dignity. It recognizes the inalienable right of the People of Saharawi in their quest for self-determination. African liberation and opposition to racialism and colonialism have been and still are central tenets of its foreign policy. Mwl. Julius Kambarge Nyerere, Tanzania’s First President and Father of the Nation, fought for the liberation of Tanzania from British colonialism and fought tirelessly against colonialism, racism, injustice and the preservation of human dignity not only in Africa, but also throughout the Third World and uncompromising support for the liberation movement.

The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), is a full, lawful and active Member State of the African Union. It is for this very reason that Tanzania remains supportive of the ongoing efforts being undertaken to resolve the question of Western Sahara within the framework of the United Nations and the African Union.

Tanzania has cordial and friendly bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Morocco and the two countries have collaborated in many areas of mutual concern.  It may 

be recalled that Tanzania supported Morocco’s re-admission into the African Union back in 2017. In doing so, Tanzania fervently believed that Morocco’s return to the African Union Family was timely and presented an important opportunity of re-engaging with Morocco and forging closer ties aimed at realizing the unity of the African continent and the implementation of the aspirations of the people of Africa. 

Tanzania strongly believes that the end of the conflict in Western Sahara will not only be a positive development to the Kingdom of Morocco, the Polisario Front and the Maghreb region, but also the whole of the African continent. In this regard, Tanzania is keen to see this conflict resolved so as to maintain the unity and cohesiveness of our continent and the betterment of our peoples.

Tanzania therefore supports global efforts for the settlement of the Question of Western Sahara. In this regard, it remains supportive of the ongoing efforts by the United Nations led by the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Western Sahara and the African Union as per the relevant AU Assembly Decision on the matter. 

It is the Government’s fervent hope and desire to see all parties involved in the conflict engaged in active dialogue so that a just, mutually acceptable settlement is reached and a lasting solution to the conflict in Western Sahara is achieved through dialogue and peaceful means and in compliance with provisions of international law.

Western Sahara remains the last colony in Africa. It is a tragic case of decolonization which has yet to see its conclusion. The United Nations considers it to be a “non-self-governing territory”. In this respect the non-recognition of SADR’s sovereignty as a state is a blatant disregard for the principles enshrined not only in the African Union Constitutive Act, international instruments and institutions but also international law.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND EAST AFRICAN COOPERATION

26TH OCTOBER, 2021