The Sahrawi Republic participated in the second Political Conference on the nexus of peace, security, and development in Africa, held in Mombasa from July 11 to 12, 2026. Led by Ambassador Mohamed Limam Mohamed Ali Sidi El Bachir, the delegation’s presence at the African Union-organized event marked a diplomatic point of contention, as the Sahrawi Republic successfully countered attempts by the Moroccan state to exclude them from the proceedings.
Diplomatic Objectives and Conference Outcomes
The conference, themed “From Engagement to Action: Strengthening the Nexus of Peace, Security, and Development,” gathered policymakers, financial institutions, and civil society organizations to translate continental commitments into practice. According to the Sahrawi delegation, Morocco pursued three primary objectives during the event: preventing the Sahrawi Republic’s participation, seeking to monopolize future iterations of the conference, and aiming to limit the ability of other African Union member states to host the event.
Ambassador Mohamed Limam Mohamed Ali Sidi El Bachir addressed these challenges directly, stating that it is impossible to separate the Sahrawi state from the African continent or to exclude it from the institutional framework of the African Union. By the conclusion of the summit, the Moroccan state expressed frustration over the failure of its efforts to isolate the Sahrawi delegation, as all attempts to exclude them were unsuccessful.
Did You Know?
The third edition of the Political Conference on the nexus of peace, security, and development is scheduled for 2028, with Angola already signaling its readiness to host the event.
Establishing a Precedent for Rotation
A significant development for the African Union’s diplomatic process emerged regarding the future of the conference. Bankole Adeoye, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, confirmed Angola’s intent to host the 2028 summit. This move serves as a precedent for a rotating host system among member states, effectively countering Moroccan attempts to maintain control over the conference’s organizational footprint.
Future Implications for Continental Diplomacy
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main theme of the Mombasa conference?
The conference was held under the theme “From Engagement to Action: Strengthening the Nexus of Peace, Security, and Development,” focusing on turning previous commitments into concrete policies to address regional vulnerabilities.
Who led the Sahrawi delegation?
The delegation was led by Mohamed Limam Mohamed Ali Sidi El Bachir, the Ambassador of the Sahrawi Republic to the Republic of Kenya.
What is the significance of the 2028 conference location?
Angola has expressed its readiness to host the 2028 edition, a move confirmed by African Union Commissioner Bankole Adeoye, which establishes a precedent for rotating the conference among member states.
How will the shift to a rotating host model for future summits affect diplomatic relations within the African Union?
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