The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic has over the weekend briefed the SADC Secretariat on the latest developments regarding the Sahrawi people's quest to self-determination and independence.

The briefing took place when the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Foreign Affairs Minister and Special envoy to Botswana and SADC, Brahim Ghali, met during a courtesy meeting with the acting SADC Executive Secretary, Mike Masiye, in Gaborone.

In a telephone interview with NBC News, the Communications and Public Relations Officer with SADC, Anethe Mutambanengwe, said the meeting reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between SADC and the Sahrawi Republic.

“The meeting underscored the enduring partnership between SADC and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and reaffirmed the Community's commitment to promoting peace, justice, decolonisation and the principles of international law through dialogue and multilateral cooperation.”

In April 2025, SADC and SADR signed a Memorandum of Understanding, reiterating SADC's unwavering commitment to supporting the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.

The 45th SADC Summit reaffirmed regional solidarity with the Sahrawi people and mandated continued coordination through regional and international platforms, including the African Union and the United Nations, to support a peaceful, just, and lasting resolution consistent with the right to self-determination.