South Africa will continue to support the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. The Western Saharawi has been struggling to get its independence from Morocco since 1975. Algeria has also maintained close involvement with the Saharawi Arab Republic. Both President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Brahim Ghali discussed bilateral relations. The growing concern is the abuse of the Moroccan government of the Saharawi people. South Africa expressed its desire to have the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara extended. A major shift in African politics is happening. The events of the Arab Spring , terrorism in West Africa, and foreign interventions has made South Africa recalculate its diplomatic relations. The Polisario Front emerged when both Morocco and Mauritania invaded the territory. Prior to this, it was a Spanish colony. Morocco was under French control. The Polisario Front was able to expel Mauritania, but the war with Morocco continued. A UN ceasefire was established in 1991 and a referendum on independence was suppose to take place. Years passed and this never came to fruition. The ceasefire collapsed in 2020. Nations began reversing their support for the Polisario Front. Spain did this due to the fact it was a source of contention with Morocco. The African Union recognizes the the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. Reports of violence by Morocco in the Western Sahara will alienate the kingdom. This will also ham relations with South Africa and other African states. King Mohammed VI has moved the Moroccan kingdom closer to Israel and the West. The reason for this change was fears of another Arab Spring. Foreign support would ensure the monarchy's survival. The actions from 2020 to present make it impossible for South Africa to cordial relations with Morocco. South Africa will in the coming years become closer to the SADR.
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