Polisario Delegation Brings Sahrawi Voice to Addis Ababa
Sahrawi representatives join continental gathering on governance and development
Addis Ababa’s conference halls filled this week with political parties from across the continent, and walking them is a delegation from the Polisario Front, attending the Second African Political Parties Conference from 5 to 7 November. For the Sahrawi movement, it is the latest step in a long pattern of engagement with African political forums, a presence it frames as a commitment to dialogue over shared challenges: development, stability, the right of peoples to sovereignty over their resources, and their freedom to determine their own political and economic future.
Leading the delegation is Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, Minister of State, Diplomatic Adviser to the Presidency and Head of the Polisario Front’s External Relations Committee. Beside him is Ambassador Maalainin Lakhal, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Sahrawi Republic to Ethiopia and the African Union.
The conference theme, “Governance for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future,” draws representatives of African political parties together with government officials, continental institutions and civil society organizations. Their shared subject is what political parties can do to shape public policies, strengthen democratic governance and push forward Africa’s economic and social transformation.
The agenda is broad. Delegates are discussing economic transformation, industrialization, agriculture, trade, employment and infrastructure, alongside the management of natural resources, regional integration, peace and security, and the future of democratic institutions on the continent. Newer pressures have also found a place on the program, with participants addressing emerging challenges tied to artificial intelligence and disinformation.
Meanwhile, the expected outcomes are already set out. Organizers anticipate the adoption of the Addis Ababa Declaration on Political Parties and Economic Transformation in Africa, together with the launch of the African Initiative for Political Parties and the establishment of its institutional framework and future programme of action.
What the three days ultimately produce remains to be seen. Until the closing session on 7 November, the delegations, including the Sahrawi one, continue their discussions in the Ethiopian capital.
Q&A
Who leads the Polisario Front delegation at the conference?
Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, Minister of State, Diplomatic Adviser to the Presidency and Head of the Polisario Front's External Relations Committee, accompanied by Ambassador Maalainin Lakhal, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Sahrawi Republic to Ethiopia and the African Union.
When and where is the Second African Political Parties Conference held?
It runs from 5 to 7 November in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the closing session on 7 November.
What outcomes are organizers expecting from the conference?
The adoption of the Addis Ababa Declaration on Political Parties and Economic Transformation in Africa, the launch of the African Initiative for Political Parties, and the establishment of its institutional framework and future programme of action.
What issues are on the conference agenda?
Economic transformation, industrialization, agriculture, trade, employment, infrastructure, natural resource management, regional integration, peace and security, the future of democratic institutions, and emerging challenges tied to artificial intelligence and disinformation.