Saharawi Republic participates in 45th Session of Executive Council

(July 20, 2024) – The 45th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union concluded its deliberations in Accra, Ghana, with the Sahrawi delegation led by Sahrawi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Sidati, in attendance.

The session saw numerous interventions from Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Mauritania’s Foreign Minister, Mohammed Salem Ould Merzoug, who chaired the session. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, also addressed the council, urging African foreign ministers to strive continuously towards unity and internal organization to overcome significant challenges facing the continent, especially political, security, and social issues. She stressed the necessity for countries to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts amid increasing conflicts and crises globally.

In his remarks, the Sahrawi Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to Ghana for its warm hospitality and efficient organization of the session. He also thanked Mauritania for effectively chairing the meetings, urging African counterparts to remember the founding principles that defended the freedom and dignity of African peoples. He emphasized the urgency for unity and solidarity in facing current challenges.

Sidati commented specifically on the report of the PRC to this session, focusing on issues related to the subcommittee’s report on multilateral cooperation. He highlighted the importance of respecting every country’s right to participate in partnership meetings, as guaranteed by Summit Decision 762 of 2020, cautioning against policies of exclusion and politicizing African collective action, which could hinder the continent’s progress and exacerbate existing crises.

During discussions on the permanent representatives’ report, over forty countries intervened, particularly regarding the subcommittee’s report on multi-party cooperation and partnerships.

The 45th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council endorsed Decision 762 of 2020, initially approved by African heads of state and governments. The recommendation stresses adherence to the legal framework regulating AU partnership activities, affirming every member state’s right to participate and represent, contrary to exclusionary practices sometimes observed.

Regarding the specialized technical committee on defense, peace, and security, the Sahrawi Foreign Minister expressed support for decisions made by defense ministers and chiefs of staff, emphasizing the urgent need to expedite the formation of the African Standby Force. He highlighted North Africa’s Standby Force (NARC) readiness and its significant role within this force, noting the Sahrawi Republic’s integral contribution.

Accompanying the Foreign Minister was a delegation including the Ambassador for African Affairs, Mohamed Salem Bisset, the Permanent Representative to the African Union and Ethiopia, Lamine Baali, and Hamad Mohamed Ali, Chargé d’Affaires at the Sahrawi Embassy in Ghana.

Throughout this session, the Sahrawi delegation engaged in bilateral meetings with other delegations discussing current developments in the Sahrawi issue and opportunities for mutual cooperation with several African countries.