Malawi Refuses to Sign Dubious Protocol within SADC and Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty over the Sahara

ALDAR/

In a significant diplomatic development, well-informed sources have revealed widespread protest within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), following the signing—on April 2, 2025—of a protocol by the Executive Secretary of the organization with the self-proclaimed separatist entity “Polisario,” without consulting or obtaining the approval of member states. This move sparked a wave of anger among several member countries, especially those that do not recognize the separatist entity, including Malawi, Comoros, Eswatini, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia—all of which have established diplomatic representations in the Moroccan cities of Laayoune and Dakhla.

The same sources confirmed that this unilateral action taken by the Executive Secretary constitutes a blatant violation of the SADC Charter and the decisions of its previous summits, as a regional organization that includes states which do not recognize the separatist entity cannot sign any agreement or protocol with it without a collective consensus.

In this context, the Malawian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official memorandum expressing its firm rejection of the signed protocol, stating that the agreement is in no way binding on the Republic of Malawi. Through the same document, Malawi also reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty, considering it the realistic and practical solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

This position by Malawi reflects a noticeable emancipation from the political pressures exerted by both Algeria and South Africa within the region and, at the same time, confirms its explicit support for Morocco’s territorial integrity. It appears that this courageous stance is becoming a growing trend among several Southern African countries, in line with the diplomatic momentum led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI—may God assist him—in defense of Morocco’s interests and just causes in international forums.

This stance clearly reflects the shifting balance in regional relations and signals the emergence of a renewed African awareness that rejects the logic of political blackmail and instead opts for alignment with international legitimacy and realistic, peaceful solution initiatives.