Australia Raises Sahrawi Flag on Official Buildings in Sydney and Melbourne Amid Growing Global Support for Western Sahara’s Independence

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Canberra affirms its stance on Sahrawi self-determination as Australian lawmakers commemorate the 49th anniversary of the Sahrawi Republic

Algiers, Algeria | February 27th, 2025 — Australian lawmakers and local officials took a decisive stand in support of the Sahrawi cause by raising the flag of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) on official buildings in Sydney and Melbourne on Thursday, marking the 49th anniversary of the proclamation of the Sahrawi Republic. The symbolic move underscores the growing international backing for Western Sahara’s struggle for self-determination and highlights Australia’s commitment to upholding fundamental principles of international law.

 

A Show of Solidarity in Sydney

 

In Sydney, the Sahrawi flag was hoisted atop the Leichhardt Town Hall in an event attended by prominent political figures, activists, and solidarity groups. The ceremony, monitored by the Sahrawi Press Agency (SPS), saw the participation of local parliamentarian Kobi Shetty, members of the Australia-Western Sahara Friendship Association, and the Polisario Front’s representative in Australia, Mohamed Fadel Kamel.

 

Expressing her unwavering support for the Sahrawi people, Shetty emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating:

 

“I am honored to attend this momentous event commemorating the proclamation of the Sahrawi Republic. Thank you for inviting me to a celebration that continues to amplify the crucial conversation on the Sahrawi people’s right to independence.”

 

She further acknowledged the persistent efforts of Sahrawi activists to keep their cause alive despite formidable challenges:

 

“I deeply admire your dedication to ensuring this struggle remains in the global consciousness. I hope you remain resolute in your fight for justice and sovereignty.”

 

For his part, Polisario representative Mohamed Fadel Kamel expressed gratitude to the Leichhardt Town Hall and the Friendship Association for their steadfast support, reiterating that such gestures serve to underscore the legitimacy of the Sahrawi people’s demand for self-determination.

 

Melbourne Joins the Movement

 

The commemoration was not limited to Sydney, as Melbourne also witnessed the raising of the Sahrawi flag across multiple sites, including municipal buildings and trade union headquarters. The events in both cities reflected an increasing recognition of the Sahrawi cause within Australian civil society and political circles.

 

Australia Reaffirms Commitment to Sahrawi Self-Determination

 

In a parallel development reinforcing Australia’s principled position on Western Sahara, Senator Fatima Payman raised a series of probing questions in the Australian Parliament on February 21 regarding the government’s stance on the issue. The inquiries were posed during the supplementary budget estimates session and specifically addressed Australia’s response to Morocco’s facilitation of an Australian parliamentary delegation’s visit to the occupied territories of Western Sahara.

 

According to the SPS, Payman’s questions also sought clarification on Australia’s position regarding a UN-mandated referendum for Sahrawi self-determination. The Australian government’s response was unequivocal, affirming:

 

“Australia acknowledges the UN classification of Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory and upholds the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.”

 

Furthermore, on the issue of human rights in the occupied territories, Canberra reaffirmed its alignment with the UN Security Council’s resolutions, which urge all parties to cooperate with the UN Human Rights Office, including facilitating its access to the region.

 

This renewed discourse on Western Sahara’s future comes at a time of heightened international scrutiny over Morocco’s policies in the region. A landmark ruling by the European Court of Justice recently concluded that the European Union had violated the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination by entering into trade agreements with Morocco that included resources from occupied Western Sahara.

 

 

 

 

 

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