We welcome the European Union Parliament’s condemnation of Morocco’s human rights violations. This is the first time in 25 years that they have taken such a decisive step and this must be applauded. We urge them to take strong measures against Morocco’s continued illegal occupation of Western Sahara and denial of their right to self determination under international law.
In the resolution, the Members of the European Parliament say that Rabat has unfairly imprisoned journalists for politically motivated reasons, particularly in the case of Omar Radi, who criticised a Moroccan judge for jailing protesters.
Morocco illegally annexed and occupied Western Sahara after the 1975 withdrawal of the Spanish colonisers. We have a principled position on Western Sahara and will continue lobbying the global solidarity movement in support of the rights of the Sahrawi people.
We call for the immediate release of all political prisoners.
We call for an end to populating Western Sahara with Moroccan settlers.
We call for an immediate referendum of the Sahrawi people to determine their future under international law.
Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, chief of the Mvezo Traditional Council and grandson of famed South African President Nelson Mandela. Member of Parliament (MP) South Africa National Assembly. All articles by Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela
