Pretoria (South Africa), July 19, 2025 (SPS) — The African National Congress (ANC) has expressed its condemnation of Moroccan actions that violate international diplomatic norms.
In a statement, the party denounced Morocco's use of the South African national flag while receiving an opposition figure, describing it as a provocative act and a breach of international diplomatic customs.
Full statement:
“19 July 2025
THE ANC CONDEMNS THE UNWARRANTED USE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN FLAG IN FOREIGN POLITICAL ENGAGEMENTS THAT UNDERMINE NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY
The African National Congress (ANC) has noted with deep concern a disturbing development involving the Kingdom of Morocco. In a bilateral meeting with an opposition figure who does not represent the democratically elected government of South Africa, the national flag of the Republic of South Africa was used.
This reckless and provocative act constitutes a flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms and an unacceptable intrusion into South Africa's internal political affairs. It is a dangerous attempt to delegitimise our constitutional order and discredit the authority of a democratically elected government. The inclusion of our national symbols in partisan activities hosted by foreign powers is not only misleading but also part of a broader agenda of foreign interference.
The ANC urges the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal diplomatic protest and to demand an immediate explanation and apology from the Moroccan authorities. We also call on all South Africans, regardless of political affiliation, to reject this dangerous precedent that threatens our sovereignty, our democracy, and our national unity.
We further condemn the opportunistic involvement of Jacob Zuma, who has aligned himself with efforts that erode South Africa's standing in the international community and betray the principles of non-alignment, peace, and anti-colonial solidarity that he once purported to uphold.
The leader of the MKP has revealed his true colours by demonstrating a lack of belief in the ANC's political, economic, and ideological principles of progressive internationalism, Pan-Africanism, and solidarity on both international and continental levels.
It is shameful that a former leader of a liberation movement is betraying our historical mission and showing his true colours as he stands in opposition to the aim of contributing to the creation of a better Africa and world that is more humane, just, equitable, democratic, and free world.
The ANC reiterates its call for the completion of the decolonisation process in Africa, in order to safeguard the right to self-determination for African peoples still under colonial rule.
Additionally, the ANC calls upon all progressive forces within the continent and around the world to intensify their solidarity with the people of Western Sahara in their pursuit of self-determination, enabling this nation and peoples to effectively exercise their sovereignty.
The ANC will continue to strengthen its longstanding and traditional bonds with the Polisario Front, forged in the common struggle against apartheid and colonialism. Western Sahara is facing significant challenges, and we will not abandon the plight of the Saharawi people.
Furthermore, the ANC will persist in exposing and resisting all foreign-sponsored agendas designed to destabilise our country.
END”
