Nigeria reaffirms support for Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), pledging continued support for the principles of self-determination, decolonisation and the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts in line with the objectives of the African Union.

The assurance was given during a bilateral meeting in Abuja between the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and the Sahrawi Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Affairs, Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, who is in Nigeria as the Special Envoy of the Sahrawi government.

The meeting reviewed the longstanding relations between both countries and explored ways to deepen political dialogue, strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote peace, stability and sustainable development across the African continent.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s position, Enikanolaiye said the country would continue to uphold the principles that have guided its foreign policy on the Sahrawi question for decades.

“Nigeria remains committed to the principles of self-determination, decolonisation, and respect for the sanctity of colonial borders, in line with the objectives of the African Union,” he said.

The minister stressed that Nigeria would continue to advocate peaceful solutions to regional disputes through dialogue and respect for international law.

“Nigeria has remained consistent in its support for the recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic since extending such recognition in 1984,” Enikanolaiye added.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussions also focused on enhancing political dialogue and identifying new areas of cooperation between the two countries.