The signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Executive Secretariat of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the so-called "SADR" — initiated by South Africa and without the approval of the member states of the organization — has triggered a wave of indignation. Several countries, including Malawi, have firmly rejected what they deem an illegal act, contrary to the principles of the regional body.
A senseless "diplomatic" move has shaken the Southern African Development Community. On April 2, 2025, its Executive Secretariat signed an MoU with the so-called “SADR,” a separatist entity backed by Algeria, without prior consultation or authorization from SADC member states. This questionable unilateral action, driven by South Africa, was swiftly condemned by several member states of the organization.
Multiple SADC countries that have never recognized the so-called “SADR” officially protested this illegitimate act. Among them are Comoros, Eswatini, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Malawi — all of which have opened general consulates in Laâyoune or Dakhla, in the Moroccan Sahara. These states, loyal to international law and principles of sovereignty, emphasized that SADC — the majority of whose members do not recognize the separatist entity — has no legal authority to enter into any agreement with an unrecognized entity.
Malawi responded with exemplary firmness. In a verbal note addressed to the SADC Secretariat, the Malawian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made it clear that the memorandum of understanding does not bind the Republic of Malawi in any way, nor does it constitute a binding act. Furthermore, Malawi reiterated its unwavering support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as a pragmatic solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.
Malawi’s message went further: it clearly rejected the destabilization maneuvers orchestrated by the separatists and actively supported by Algeria, while also denouncing South Africa’s political manipulation within SADC. This spontaneous and principled stance marks a true break from influence games, affirming a desire to act in favor of stability, legality, and diplomatic common sense.
This crisis puts the credibility of SADC at stake. The founding treaty of the organization, along with its charters and Summit decisions, have never granted the Executive Secretary a mandate to engage with an unrecognized entity. The widespread rejection of this agreement signals a new dynamic: one of a more independent Southern Africa, sovereign in its decisions, and increasingly aligned with the principles of unity and respect for legitimate borders.
As more Southern African countries prepare to follow Malawi’s lead, a strong message is being sent to Pretoria: faits accomplis and procedural violations will not be tolerated. The path forward lies in constructive cooperation — not division and manipulation. By choosing justice and clarity, Malawi positions itself on the right side of history.
It is worth recalling that the Kingdom of Morocco today enjoys growing international support, driven by the Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The reaffirmation by the United States of its official recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara is part of this context. France has also reiterated the same position following its recent change in government.
