• As Foreign Minister, Mohamed Beisat delivers message to President Boko
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sahrawi Democratic Republic, Mohamed Yeslem Beisat, visited Botswana from 2–3 July 2026 as a Special Envoy of President Brahim Ghali.
His mission was to deliver a letter from President Ghali to Botswana’s Head of State, Advocate Duma Boko, reaffirming bilateral ties and updating Botswana on the latest developments in the Sahrawi people’s struggle for self-determination.
During his visit, Minister Beisat held talks with President Boko and Foreign Minister Dr Phenyo Butale, describing the engagements in an interview with Botswana Guardian, as “very positive” and praising Botswana’s longstanding principled stance on freedom and justice.
The Western Sahara conflict traces back to the mid-1970s, when Spain withdrew from its former colony. Morocco and Mauritania moved to claim the territory, sparking resistance from the Polisario Front, which declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in 1976.
Mauritania later withdrew, but Morocco annexed most of the territory, leading to decades of armed conflict. In 1991, a UN-brokered ceasefire was established, with the promise of a referendum on self-determination. However, disputes over voter eligibility and Morocco’s refusal to allow a referendum stalled the process.
The Sahrawi people, backed by the Polisario Front, continue to demand independence, while Morocco insists on autonomy under its sovereignty.
The African Union recognises the SADR as a member state, but Morocco, readmitted to the AU in 2017, has resisted AU involvement in resolving the dispute.
The conflict remains one of Africa’s longest-running decolonisation struggles, with periodic clashes, diplomatic standoffs, and international mediation attempts.
Western Sahara remains Africa’s last colony, occupied against all expectations by its neighbour, Morocco! Both countries are members of the African Union.
Minister Beisat’s visit underscores Botswana’s enduring solidarity with the Sahrawi people and highlights the broader African and international efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict.
As negotiations continue under UN auspices, Botswana’s principled voice adds weight to calls for justice, democracy, and self-determination in Africa’s last colony, according to Minister Beisat.
Highlights from the interview
BG: What exactly was the purpose of your visit?
Minister Beisat: I came as a special envoy of President Ghali to deliver a written message concerning our bilateral relations and the Sahrawi struggle. I had fruitful meetings with President Boko and Minister Butale, touching on SADC, AU, and UN developments. Botswana’s principled position on justice and self-determination continues to inspire us.
BG: What is the current situation in Western Sahara?
Minister Beisat: Morocco violated the ceasefire in November 2020, attacking Sahrawi forces and occupying more territory. Since then, we have been at war. The UN Security Council’s Resolution 2797 calls for direct negotiations, and despite Morocco’s intransigence, we remain committed to a peaceful solution that allows the Sahrawi people to freely choose their future.
BG: Are there casualties in the ongoing war?
Minister Beisat: Sadly, yes. We maintained a ceasefire for 30 years, but Morocco’s aggression forced us to defend our rights. International law recognises our struggle as legitimate, and we hope negotiations will soon deliver a peaceful resolution.
BG: Do the Sahrawi people want a referendum?
Minister Beisat: Yes. That is the democratic and legal solution, though Morocco resists it. Any settlement outside legality will not last.
BG: What is the African Union’s position?
Minister Beisat: The AU supports direct negotiations and a ceasefire leading to a referendum. Unfortunately, Morocco undermines AU efforts, refusing to cooperate with envoys and institutions, and even expelling AU observers.
BG: Can sanctions be imposed on Morocco?
Minister Beisat: Sanctions are possible under AU rules, but they require majority support. We hope leaders will persuade Morocco to respect the Constitutive Act; if not, sanctions must be considered.
BG: What is SADC’s position?
Minister Beisat: SADC has consistently supported the Sahrawi cause, reaffirmed at the 2018 Extraordinary Summit and again last year in Antananarivo. Botswana has played a major role in this solidarity.
BG: What are your expectations from Botswana?
Minister Beisat: Botswana has always been steadfast in supporting our struggle. Its democratic credentials give it moral authority in Africa and beyond. We are encouraged by President Boko’s commitment and look forward to strengthening political and, eventually, economic ties once peace is achieved.
His mission was to deliver a letter from President Ghali to Botswana’s Head of State, Advocate Duma Boko, reaffirming bilateral ties and updating Botswana on the latest developments in the Sahrawi people’s struggle for self-determination.
During his visit, Minister Beisat held talks with President Boko and Foreign Minister Dr Phenyo Butale, describing the engagements in an interview with Botswana Guardian, as “very positive” and praising Botswana’s longstanding principled stance on freedom and justice.
The Western Sahara conflict traces back to the mid-1970s, when Spain withdrew from its former colony. Morocco and Mauritania moved to claim the territory, sparking resistance from the Polisario Front, which declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in 1976.
Mauritania later withdrew, but Morocco annexed most of the territory, leading to decades of armed conflict. In 1991, a UN-brokered ceasefire was established, with the promise of a referendum on self-determination. However, disputes over voter eligibility and Morocco’s refusal to allow a referendum stalled the process.
The Sahrawi people, backed by the Polisario Front, continue to demand independence, while Morocco insists on autonomy under its sovereignty.
The African Union recognises the SADR as a member state, but Morocco, readmitted to the AU in 2017, has resisted AU involvement in resolving the dispute.
The conflict remains one of Africa’s longest-running decolonisation struggles, with periodic clashes, diplomatic standoffs, and international mediation attempts.
Western Sahara remains Africa’s last colony, occupied against all expectations by its neighbour, Morocco! Both countries are members of the African Union.
Minister Beisat’s visit underscores Botswana’s enduring solidarity with the Sahrawi people and highlights the broader African and international efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict.
As negotiations continue under UN auspices, Botswana’s principled voice adds weight to calls for justice, democracy, and self-determination in Africa’s last colony, according to Minister Beisat.
Highlights from the interview
BG: What exactly was the purpose of your visit?
Minister Beisat: I came as a special envoy of President Ghali to deliver a written message concerning our bilateral relations and the Sahrawi struggle. I had fruitful meetings with President Boko and Minister Butale, touching on SADC, AU, and UN developments. Botswana’s principled position on justice and self-determination continues to inspire us.
BG: What is the current situation in Western Sahara?
Minister Beisat: Morocco violated the ceasefire in November 2020, attacking Sahrawi forces and occupying more territory. Since then, we have been at war. The UN Security Council’s Resolution 2797 calls for direct negotiations, and despite Morocco’s intransigence, we remain committed to a peaceful solution that allows the Sahrawi people to freely choose their future.
BG: Are there casualties in the ongoing war?
Minister Beisat: Sadly, yes. We maintained a ceasefire for 30 years, but Morocco’s aggression forced us to defend our rights. International law recognises our struggle as legitimate, and we hope negotiations will soon deliver a peaceful resolution.
BG: Do the Sahrawi people want a referendum?
Minister Beisat: Yes. That is the democratic and legal solution, though Morocco resists it. Any settlement outside legality will not last.
BG: What is the African Union’s position?
Minister Beisat: The AU supports direct negotiations and a ceasefire leading to a referendum. Unfortunately, Morocco undermines AU efforts, refusing to cooperate with envoys and institutions, and even expelling AU observers.
BG: Can sanctions be imposed on Morocco?
Minister Beisat: Sanctions are possible under AU rules, but they require majority support. We hope leaders will persuade Morocco to respect the Constitutive Act; if not, sanctions must be considered.
BG: What is SADC’s position?
Minister Beisat: SADC has consistently supported the Sahrawi cause, reaffirmed at the 2018 Extraordinary Summit and again last year in Antananarivo. Botswana has played a major role in this solidarity.
BG: What are your expectations from Botswana?
Minister Beisat: Botswana has always been steadfast in supporting our struggle. Its democratic credentials give it moral authority in Africa and beyond. We are encouraged by President Boko’s commitment and look forward to strengthening political and, eventually, economic ties once peace is achieved.
