New York (United Nations), October 14, 2025 (SPS) – During the discussions of the United Nations General Assembly’s Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), South Africa reaffirmed its unwavering position in support of decolonization in Western Sahara and called on the United Nations to expedite the long-delayed referendum to enable the Sahrawi people to exercise their right to self-determination — a fundamental right under international law.
The South African representative expressed deep concern over the plight of the people of Western Sahara, the last remaining colony on the African continent, stressing that South Africa considers the self-determination of the Sahrawi people to be of paramount importance. He noted that the principle of self-determination is sacred in South Africa and applies in contexts extending beyond the African continent.
He emphasized that the question of Western Sahara must remain on the agenda of the Fourth Committee until the Sahrawi people are able to exercise their right to self-determination, as no solution can be imposed against their will. He recalled that Security Council Resolution 690 remains legally binding, particularly regarding the need to hold a referendum on the future of Western Sahara.
The representative further underlined the urgency for the United Nations to take immediate steps toward organizing the long-promised referendum on self-determination, so that the Sahrawi people may freely decide their own destiny — a right guaranteed under international law. In this context, he stressed that recognition by certain countries of specific “plans” for Western Sahara does not alter the situation on the ground nor the requirements for a just, fair, and lasting peace.
He added: “Let us be clear — political opportunism should not be the basis for resolving the question of Western Sahara, but rather international legitimacy. International law must remain at the core of the rules governing global relations, and the law is clear on the resolution of the Western Sahara issue. Our duty is to ensure its wise and just implementation.”
The representative reiterated South Africa’s support for the important work carried out by the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) and expressed full confidence in the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Mr. Staffan de Mistura. In this regard, he called on both the Kingdom of Morocco and the Frente POLISARIO to engage in direct political dialogue without preconditions, in order to reach a just and lasting political settlement.
In conclusion, the South African representative renewed his call for the Fourth Committee to intensify its efforts to fulfill its mandate and to ensure that the people of Western Sahara fully enjoy their civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as their sovereignty over their natural resources.
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