Western Sahara Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Salek told the BBC that Morocco’s occupation contradicted the founding principles of the AU.
“The aim and essence of the Union is the liberation of Africa. Morocco [has] become a coloniser,” he said.
“We fought against colonialism and apartheid; how come we are going to accept a country who declared publicly and solemnly that he is occupying a part of a country who is a member of the African Union?” Mr Salek asked.
He insists that if Morocco “wants to join the club, [it] must respect the rules of the club”.