SA plans memorial for SADR ambassador Bachir
South Africa’s foreign minister will deliver the eulogy on Monday during a memorial service for Radhi-Sghaiar Bachir, the ambassador for Western Sahara in Pretoria.
Dr. Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, said she was shocked and saddened to learn of Bachir’s death following a short illness while in a hospital in Spain.
“Ambassador Bachir was a true champion of the cause of the people of Western Sahara. He actively engaged with all political parties, civil society, academia and friends of Western Sahara in his attempt to bring about the total emancipation of the people of Western Sahara,” she said. “He will be sorely missed.”
The minister also assured the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) government of South Africa’s continued support, promising to stand “shoulder to shoulder” in its fight for self-determination. Bachir was often engaged with the community, speaking out on human rights and the status of Western Sahara.
SADR announced the death on Thursday, praising Bachir for his long tenure in government service and his legacy as a close associate of the late El Ouali Mustapha Said, a founder of the Polisario Front.
The Western Saharan people remain in negotiations following decades of conflict over its borders and its status in the international community. It long remained a contentious point on the African continent, with Morocco only recently returned to the African Union after years of division over the issue.
Image: University of Pretoria file
Laureen Fagan
Laureen is the editor of Africa Times
Laureen is a freelance journalist creating high-quality, informed content on international affairs, politics and technology. She has worked both in and out of newsrooms since 2000. She is a former paramedic with significant experience in community resilience and nonprofit community development initiatives, and maintains "a passion for action" on sustainability and climate change. She also is trained in conflict resolution and diversity, and has special interests in science and medical reporting, and culture and religion issues. Laureen received her MSJ from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism in the United States, and completed additional graduate study in theology at University of Notre Dame.
