The Polisario responded on Saturday to Morocco's condemnation of UN envoy Staffan de Mistura's recent visit to South Africa. Moroccan ambassador Omar Hilale had expressed strong disapproval in an interview with MAP on January 31st. In a press release signed by its MINURSO coordinator, the Polisario characterized the trip as part of de Mistura's «mandate». They welcomed the envoy's decision to visit Pretoria, contrasting their stance with Morocco's opposition. The statement emphasized South Africa's «unwavering defense of decolonization in Western Sahara and its strong solidarity with the Sahrawi people». They positioned this support as demonstrating South Africa's commitment to decolonization principles under international law. However, Morocco reiterated its firm stance against South African involvement. Hilale declared, «Morocco will never allow South Africa to have any role in the Moroccan Sahara issue. Pretoria has been and remains toxic for the question of the Moroccan Sahara». It's noteworthy that South Africa has formally recognized the «SADR» since 2004.
