- Malawian government has decided to cut ties and withdraw its recognition of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), a state proclaimed by Polisario Front in disputed territory of Western Sahara, foreign ministry has said.
Malawi Foreign Affairs minister Joyce Banda announced decision at the end of talks with her Moroccan counterpart Taib Fassi Fehri in Rabat.
"In light of recent developments on the issue of Sahara at United Nations", Malawi has decided "to withdraw its recognition of SADR and to break all relations with it," Ms Banda said.
Malawi means by this decision "to encourage UN-backed ongoing negotiation process in order to achieve a durable political solution to this 33-year old regional conflict," Malawian official said.
Western Sahara is a former Spanish colony annexed in 1975 by Morocco.
SADR was declared in 1976 by Polisario Front, a rebel movement that wants independence for Western Sahara which fought a guerilla war against Rabat's forces before a ceasefire in 1991.
Since the ceasefire, UN has sponsored talks on four occasions between Rabat and rebels.
Polisario Front said in August it wanted to engage in direct talks with Morocco, but requested that UN replace its special envoy to Western Sahara.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
front page
| news
| countries
| archive
| currencies
| news alerts login
| about afrol News
| contact
| advertise
| español