President Ramaphosa to receive President Ghali of Sahawari Arab Democratic Republic

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 05 June 2018, host the President of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), His Excellency President Brahim Ghali, in Pretoria, during his working visit to South Africa.

The visit by President Ghali will provide an excellent opportunity for the two Heads of State to appraise each other on the latest developments in the Western Sahara and the Maghreb region, in the Northwest Africa.

During the visit President Ramaphosa and President Ghali will hold official talks where they are anticipated to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, particularly peace, security, stability and development in Western Sahara and Maghreb region as well as some parts of the continent. The visit will further provide a platform for the two Heads of State to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two governments and their people. 

In September 2004, South Africa took a decision to recognise the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) as an independent state when it became clear that the Kingdom of Morocco had ruled out any possibility for a referendum for Western Sahara in contravention of UN Security Council Resolution 1495.

Like many other African Union member states, South Africa maintains its position that the occupation of the Western Sahara by Morocco is illegal and that the Saharawi people must be allowed to exercise their right to self-determination.

South Africa is of the view that the continued delay in a solution to the conflict in Western Sahara does not only continue to have dire humanitarian consequences for the Saharawi people but also remains an impediment towards greater regional integration and security cooperation in the region.

The growing discontent remains a serious concern, therefore South Africa reiterate its call for two parties to return to a discussion table and have constructive direct dialogue.

South Africa calls on the African Union (AU) to effectively implement its Roadmap on the resolution of the Western Sahara question as decided by the AU Peace and Security Summit in March 2017 to ensure that an amicable solution to the conflict between the Western Sahara and Morocco is reached as soon as possible.

Members of the media are invited as follows: 

Date: Tuesday, 05 June 2018
Time: 10h00 (media to arrive at 09h00)
Venue: Union Buildings, Pretoria

Members of the media should send their names and ID/Passport numbers to Proffesor Ndawonde on 079 8912782 or proff.sbhene@gmail.com not later than Monday, 04 June 2018 at 18h00. Members of the media are also requested to present their valid press cards at the point of entry to access the venue.

NB: Note as well that nobody wearing jeans, t-shirts and takkies will be allowed into the venue. The dress code is strictly presentable in line with the decorum of the event and the venue.
 

Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President, on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria