Cape Town - The ANC has slammed the decision of the African Union to re-admit Morocco into the organisation despite the occupation of Western Sahara.
The AU agreed at its meeting in Addis Ababa on Monday to re-admit Morocco after a 34-year absence.
ANC head of international relations Edna Molewa said the decision by the AU was regrettable and the people of Western Sahara wanted independence.
The ANC has close ties with the Polisario Front of Western Sahara and its President Brahim Ghali attended the ANC’s 105th birthday celebrations in Orlando, Joburg, in January.
“This decision represents a significant setback to the cause of the Sahrawi people and their quest for self-determination and independence in the Western Sahara. The Western Sahara is one of Africa’s last remaining colonial outposts,” said Molewa.