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Ya Biladi
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Kenya National Assembly Speaker receives Polisario representative
Nearly a month after Kenya officially voiced support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, the Polisario's main ally in Nairobi has resurfaced. On Thursday, June 19, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, met with the Polisario's representative in Kenya. «Today, I hosted His Excellency Mohamed-Liman Ali Ami, the Ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, who paid me a courtesy call at my office at Parliament Buildings», Wetangula posted. «Our discussions focused on strengthening the bilateral relationship between our two nations and exploring ways to deepen diplomatic engagement for the mutual benefit of our citizens. I assured the Ambassador that Kenya, as a committed member of the African Union (AU), stands in solidarity with the Sahrawi Republic and remains steadfast in supporting and safeguarding its interests as a sovereign state», he added. Wetangula is widely seen as the Polisario's key ally within the Kenyan government. According to an October 2022 report by the South African-based Institute for Security Studies, Wetangula, a former foreign minister, played a pivotal role in convincing President William Ruto to delete a tweet posted on September 14, 2022, in which he had announced Kenya's withdrawal of recognition of the «SADR». Wetangula is a powerful political figure in Kenya. He heads the FORD-Kenya party, a member of the Kenya Kwanza coalition that backed Ruto's successful 2022 presidential bid. Just weeks after Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch met with President Ruto in Dakar on January 26, 2023, Wetangula traveled to Algeria, where he met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and reaffirmed his support for the Polisario. He reiterated this position again in November 2023, after several African political leaders signed the « Tangier Appeal » calling for the expulsion of the «SADR» from the African Union. Following a meeting with the Polisario representative in Nairobi, Wetangula stated, «I reassured him of my support, noting their membership in the AU, akin to our shared responsibility.» In contrast, during a working visit to Morocco in late May, Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi declared that «the Republic of Kenya considers the autonomy plan as the only sustainable approach to resolving the Sahara issue and intends to collaborate with states sharing this vision to promote its implementation». Just one day after that statement, Wetangula hosted the Algerian ambassador in Nairobi.
Ya Biladi
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Kenya National Assembly Speaker receives Polisario representative
Nearly a month after Kenya officially voiced support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, the Polisario's main ally in Nairobi has resurfaced. On Thursday, June 19, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, met with the Polisario's representative in Kenya. «Today, I hosted His Excellency Mohamed-Liman Ali Ami, the Ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, who paid me a courtesy call at my office at Parliament Buildings», Wetangula posted. «Our discussions focused on strengthening the bilateral relationship between our two nations and exploring ways to deepen diplomatic engagement for the mutual benefit of our citizens. I assured the Ambassador that Kenya, as a committed member of the African Union (AU), stands in solidarity with the Sahrawi Republic and remains steadfast in supporting and safeguarding its interests as a sovereign state», he added. Wetangula is widely seen as the Polisario's key ally within the Kenyan government. According to an October 2022 report by the South African-based Institute for Security Studies, Wetangula, a former foreign minister, played a pivotal role in convincing President William Ruto to delete a tweet posted on September 14, 2022, in which he had announced Kenya's withdrawal of recognition of the «SADR». Wetangula is a powerful political figure in Kenya. He heads the FORD-Kenya party, a member of the Kenya Kwanza coalition that backed Ruto's successful 2022 presidential bid. Just weeks after Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch met with President Ruto in Dakar on January 26, 2023, Wetangula traveled to Algeria, where he met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and reaffirmed his support for the Polisario. He reiterated this position again in November 2023, after several African political leaders signed the « Tangier Appeal » calling for the expulsion of the «SADR» from the African Union. Following a meeting with the Polisario representative in Nairobi, Wetangula stated, «I reassured him of my support, noting their membership in the AU, akin to our shared responsibility.» In contrast, during a working visit to Morocco in late May, Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi declared that «the Republic of Kenya considers the autonomy plan as the only sustainable approach to resolving the Sahara issue and intends to collaborate with states sharing this vision to promote its implementation». Just one day after that statement, Wetangula hosted the Algerian ambassador in Nairobi. Presidential and legislative elections in Kenya are scheduled for August 2027.
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Activists detained in Egypt ahead of Gaza humanitarian march
The PAGAD delegation to Egypt was detained for 11 hours in Cairo, Egypt. Image: File A PAGAD (People Against Gangsterism and Drugs) delegation was detained for 11 hours and were at risk of deportation as they made their way to the Global March to Gaza. They are part of the thousands of activists who travelled to Egypt's Rafah Border Crossing to the strip on Friday to demand the entry of humanitarian aid. National Coordinator Haroon Orrie was detained along with six others. PAGAD's spokesperson, Cassiem Parker, said: 'The seven went through normal immigration procedure and then were told that they were being detained and might be deported. 'Their luggage was taken from them and was kept in a holding area from 3am to 2pm, Egypt time. 'They were kept with several hundred other people from other countries coming into Cairo. At 2pm, they were told that they could continue but were not given any reason for their detention. 'They have subsequently said there are reports of raids on hotels, etc.' ANC regional spokesperson, Muhammad Khalid Sayed, said they note the information around the PAGAD delegation. 'We want to commend them for embarking on this global march to Gaza. It is in line with the South African stance of solidarity with the people of Palestine. "But we are extremely concerned with the news that has come to us, and we hope that our authorities in Egypt make every effort to assist in having this particular matter resolved.' GOOD Secretary-General Brett Herron said: 'The GOOD Party condemns the detention of members of the South African-based organisation PAGAD by Egyptian authorities, reportedly ahead of their planned participation in the Global March to Gaza. 'The delegation, whose mission was one of solidarity and peace, is now being threatened with deportation. This action is a grave violation of their rights and part of a disturbing pattern of silencing international civil society voices standing up for the people of Gaza. 'At the same time, observers and political figures are being welcomed with open arms on highly curated, one-sided visits to Israel, including MPs from South Africa. 'We cannot ignore the hypocrisy that those attempting to bear witness to suffering and express solidarity with a besieged population are blocked, detained, or deported, while those cosying up to the occupying power face no such barriers."
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
South African activists detained in Egypt before Gaza march
The PAGAD delegation to Egypt was detained for 11 hours in Cairo, Egypt. Image: File The PAGAD (People Against Gangsterism and Drugs) delegate was detained for 11 hours and were at risk of deportation as they were on the journey to the Global March to Gaza. They are part of the thousands of activists who travelled to Egypt's Rafah Border Crossing to the strip on Friday to demand the entry of humanitarian aid. Among those detained was National Coordinator Haroon Orrie and six others. PAGAD's spokesperson, Cassiem Parker, said: 'The seven went through normal immigration procedure and then were told that they were being detained and might be deported. 'Their luggage was taken from them and was kept in a holding area from 3am to 2pm Egypt time. 'They were kept with several hundred other people from other countries coming into Cairo. At 2pm, they were told that they could continue but were not given any reason for their detention. 'They have subsequently said there are reports of raids on hotels, etc.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The African National Congress (ANC) regional spokesperson, Muhammad Khalid Sayed, said they note the information around the PAGAD delegation. 'First, we want to commend them for embarking on this global march to Gaza. It is in line with the South African stance of solidarity with the people of Palestine. "But we are extremely concerned with the news that has come to us, and we hope that our authorities in Egypt make every effort to assist in having this particular matter resolved.' GOOD Secretary-General Brett Herron said: 'The GOOD Party condemns the detention of members of the South African-based organisation People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD) by Egyptian authorities, reportedly ahead of their planned participation in the Global March to Gaza. 'The delegation, whose mission was one of solidarity and peace, is now being threatened with deportation. This action is a grave violation of their rights and part of a disturbing pattern of silencing international civil society voices standing up for the people of Gaza. 'At the same time, observers and political figures are being welcomed with open arms on highly curated, one-sided visits to Israel, including MPs from South Africa. These delegations meet freely with Israeli officials while ignoring the urgent calls of Palestinians for justice, an end to the occupation, and the lifting of the brutal siege. 'We cannot ignore the hypocrisy that those attempting to bear witness to suffering and express solidarity with a besieged population are blocked, detained, or deported, while those cosying up to the occupying power face no such barriers. 'This dangerous double standard speaks volumes. It reveals how the principles of free movement, human rights, and international solidarity are selectively applied depending on who you support.'
Ya Biladi
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Kenya's parliament speaker, key Polisario ally, meets Algerian envoy in Nairobi
Shortly Kenya expressed support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, the Algerian ambassador to Nairobi, Mahi Boumediene, met with Moses Wetangula, Speaker of the Kenyan National Assembly. «This evening, I held a cordial engagement with H.E. Mahi Boumediene, Ambassador of Algeria to Kenya. We discussed shared bilateral interests and explored ways to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy between our two nations», Wetangula wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Moses Wetangula is widely regarded as a key ally of the Polisario Front. A report published in October 2022 by the South African-based Institute for Security Studies (ISS) revealed that Wetangula, a former foreign minister, had persuaded President William Ruto to retract a tweet posted on September 14, 2022, in which Ruto announced the severing of diplomatic ties with the «Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic» (SADR). Wetangula is a prominent figure in Kenya's political landscape. He is the leader of FORD Kenya, a party within the Kenya Kwanza coalition that supported Ruto's successful presidential bid in August 2022. A few weeks after the meeting on January 26, 2023, in Dakar between Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and President Ruto, Wetangula traveled to Algeria, where he met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and reaffirmed his support for the Polisario. Wetangula publicly reiterated this stance following the signing of the «Tangier Appeal» in November 2023—an initiative by several African political figures calling for the expulsion of the «SADR» from the African Union—during a meeting with the Polisario representative in Nairobi. «I assured him of the importance of keeping the Sahrawi Republic on the AU agenda» and its «membership in the African Union», he emphasized.
