President Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah has reaffirmed Namibia’s continued support for the people of Western Sahara following a courtesy visit by Aubi Bouchraya, Special Envoy of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. 

Bouchraya delivered a special message from President Brahim Ghali and provided an update on the latest developments regarding the long-running efforts to resolve the status of Western Sahara through a United Nations-led process. 

Speaking during the meeting, Bouchraya said he was mandated to brief Namibia on both political developments and ongoing cooperation between the two sides. 

“Warm greetings from your brother, President Ghali. He trusted me to deliver this written message and to brief you on the recent developments with regard to the decolonisation of Western Sahara,” Bouchraya said during the meeting. 

In response, President Nandi- Ndaitwah welcomed the envoy and reiterated Namibia’s historic ties with the Sahrawi people, describing the relationship as one rooted in a shared liberation struggle. 

“Namibia and the people of Western Sahara have a very long history, and our people continue to express their solidarity with the Sahrawi people,” she said. 

The President recalled her visit to Western Sahara during her tenure as Minister of International Relations, where she witnessed the living conditions of the Sahrawi people and their determination despite ongoing challenges. 

“We have seen how the people are living, but determined, and we even enjoyed the celebrations that day. It was really a wonderful ceremony that we observed,” she said. Nandi-Ndaitwah also expressed appreciation for the continued engagement between the two countries, noting the importance of being kept informed about developments on the ground. 

“I am happy that the President has decided to send you, so that you can keep us abreast of the situation. I really appreciate it,” she added. 

Speaking in an interview after the meeting, Bouchraya conveyed gratitude from President Ghali and the Sahrawi people for Namibia’s unwavering support. 

“We express deep thanks to Namibia for the solidarity and commitment to the values of Africa, but also the values of the liberation of the last colony in Africa,” he said. 

He added that the discussions also focused on the strong bilateral relations between Namibia and the Sahrawi Republic, as well as updates on the UN-led efforts to find a lasting solution to the conflict. 

–ljason@nepc.com.na