From parallel conferences to Caf links: Four SA politicians who have taken aim at Morocco

As Morocco gear up for a historic Fifa World Cup clash with France this evening, support for the country has sparked debate.

Walid Regragui's side became the first African and Arab country to reach the semifinals of the football showpiece.

If they beat France they will book a spot in the final on Sunday against Argentina. 

It has been an incredible run for the team, with wins over Canada, Belgium and Spain before their victory over Portugal. They drew with Croatia in their opening game.

Despite playing some of the strongest teams in the world, they have conceded only one goal to Canada in the group stage.

The milestone has won them many fans, but also reopens old criticisms of the country.

Here are four South African politicians who have taken aim at Morocco over the years:

GWEDE MANTASHE

ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe slammed Morocco in 2019 for allegedly holding a parallel conference on Western Sahara's independence during a Southern African Development Community solidarity conference.

“I would have expected that from Morocco because they have resources,” he said.

“They are exploiting even the Western Sahara resources. They are using them to buy support and they are succeeding on the continent,” News24 quoted the minister as saying.

The Western Sahara region, bordered by Morocco, Mauritania and Algeria, has long been a disputed territory.

According to the UN, the area was administered by Spain until 1976. Spanish withdrawal saw Morocco and Mauritania claim the land as theirs. Morocco later “reintegrated” the territory as Mauritania withdrew claims to the region.

The Algerian-supported Polisario Front has long advocated for the establishment of an independent state.