Sahrawi Youth Leader Meets Mnangagwa at Zimbabwe National Youth Day 2026
- Southerton Business Times
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
Harare, Zimbabwe – February 21, 2026 – The Secretary-General of the Youth Union of Saguia El-Hamra and Rio de Oro (UJTSARIO), Ali Mohamed Salem, participated in Zimbabwe’s National Youth Day commemorations following an official invitation from local youth organizations. The event was presided over by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and drew youth representatives from across the country and the African continent.
Zimbabwe’s National Youth Day, observed annually on February 21, coincides with the birthday of the late former President Robert Mugabe and has become a platform for youth engagement, empowerment initiatives, and continental solidarity. According to the Government of Zimbabwe and previous state addresses, the day focuses on innovation, employment creation, and youth inclusion in national development.
Salem’s participation reflects growing cooperation between African youth movements and solidarity networks. Speaking on the sidelines of the event at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, a youth delegate from the Zimbabwe Youth Council said, “The presence of Sahrawi youth strengthens the spirit of African unity. Our struggles and aspirations are interconnected.”
During the commemorations, Salem joined other visiting delegations in a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa. He conveyed greetings from Brahim Ghali, President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and Secretary-General of the Polisario Front. Salem reaffirmed what he described as “deep historical ties” between Zimbabwe and the Sahrawi people, and expressed appreciation for Zimbabwe’s long-standing support for Western Sahara’s right to self-determination.
Zimbabwe officially recognizes the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, a position consistent with resolutions of the African Union, which lists SADR as a member state. Political analyst Dr. Tendai Moyo of the University of Zimbabwe told Southerton Business Times that Harare’s stance “is rooted in its liberation war history and its broader foreign policy doctrine of supporting anti-colonial and self-determination movements across Africa.”
The National Youth Day event also featured cultural performances, entrepreneurship exhibitions, and policy discussions focused on youth-led development. President Mnangagwa reiterated his government’s commitment to youth empowerment, citing ongoing innovation hubs and skills development programmes aimed at tackling unemployment.
Observers noted that the engagement between Zimbabwean and Sahrawi youth aligns with continental frameworks such as the African Youth Charter, which promotes participation of young people in governance and socio-economic transformation. As African nations deepen cooperation through platforms such as the African Union and regional youth networks, the participation of Sahrawi representatives at Zimbabwe’s National Youth Day underscores Harare’s continued diplomatic posture and the enduring narrative of pan-African solidarity.
Sahrawi youth Zimbabwe National Youth Day 2026
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