Dar es Salaam, Tanzania The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has voiced firm and unwavering support for the people of Western Sahara and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, underscoring a message rooted not only in diplomacy, but in shared history, human struggle, and the enduring quest for justice.
In the press release of the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) disclosed her message that was delivered during the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the Sahrawi Republic, held on April 8, 2026, at the Ausserd Refugee Camp in Tindouf, Algeria a place that, for many Sahrawis, is not just a temporary shelter but a painful symbol of exile that has stretched across generations.
The President was represented by Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, who conveyed Tanzania’s official statement to Sahrawi leaders, members of the Polisario Front, and international guests.
In her message, President Samia did more than offer formal congratulations. She acknowledged the profound resilience of the Sahrawi people five decades marked not only by political struggle but by human endurance in harsh desert refugee camps, where families have lived with uncertainty, separation, and limited resources. For many Sahrawis, the dream of returning to their homeland remains distant, yet fiercely alive.
The Western Sahara issue is widely regarded as one of Africa’s last unresolved decolonization cases. Since Spain’s withdrawal in 1975, the territory has been contested, leaving thousands displaced and generations born into statelessness.
Despite numerous United Nations resolutions calling on self-determination, a lasting solution has remained elusive. This prolonged stalemate has not only political implications but deep human consequences lost opportunities, interrupted education, and lives shaped by displacement rather than choice.
President Samia emphasized that Tanzania’s support is grounded in principle: the right of all people to self-determination, dignity, and sovereignty. She reiterated the importance of peaceful dialogue and adherence to international law, aligning with both UN frameworks and the vision of the African Union.
She referenced the aspirations of Agenda 2063 “The Africa We Want” which calls for the complete eradication of colonial legacies across the continent.
Beyond policy, Tanzania’s stance reflects a deeper historical identity. The country has long stood alongside liberation movements, offering moral and diplomatic support to those resisting colonialism and occupation.
President Samia highlighted the enduring relationship between Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), and the Polisario Front a connection built on shared ideals of freedom and justice.
For the Sahrawi people, international solidarity is more than symbolic it is a lifeline of recognition in a struggle often overshadowed by global geopolitics. Tanzania’s reaffirmation serves as a reminder that, even after fifty years, their cause has not been forgotten.
As the world continues to grapple with conflicts and crises, the story of Western Sahara remains a quiet but powerful testament to resilience. It is a story of a people who, despite decades in exile, continue to hold onto their identity, their land, and their hope that one day, justice will prevail.
