01 Sep 2026

Ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic to Botswana and Permanent Representative to the Southern African Development Community, Sidihiba Abbes Abdala, has died.

A statement from the Ministry of International Relations says Ambassador Abdala passed away at Bokamoso Private Hospital in Gaborone on Sunday.

Ambassador Abdala commenced his tour of duty in Botswana in January, having served as a diplomat in various capacities at Sahrawi diplomatic missions in Germany, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Sweden and India.

During his tenure in Botswana, he played an instrumental role in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between Botswana and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.

Botswana extends heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences to the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic following the ambassador’s death. ENDS