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“The presence of the entity, which is not recognized as a nation, does not affect Japan’s stance,” said Yoichi Fukuzawa, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Japan has reaffirmed its firm stance on the Polisario Front following the recent unauthorized presence of the separatist group at the preparatory meeting for the International Ministerial Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
Yoichi Fukuzawa, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated that the Japanese government does not recognize the Polisario Front and that the group’s unapproved participation in the summit does not alter Japan’s diplomatic stance or impact the forum’s objectives.
During the meeting on Friday, an Algerian delegate illicitly placed a card representing the self-proclaimed “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic” (RASD), the separatist group claiming independence in Western Sahara. The card, which read “Sahrawi Republic,” was placed without authorization and prompted immediate intervention by Japanese representatives.
The Moroccan delegation quickly noticed the unauthorized card and raised objections. They viewed the display as a deliberate attempt to provoke and undermine Morocco’s position on the Western Sahara issue. The Moroccan representatives insisted on the immediate removal of the card.
The situation escalated when a Moroccan secretary, who attempted to remove the card, was violently attacked by an Algerian diplomat. A shocking video shows the Algerian diplomat tackling him and slapping him to the ground.
Fukuzawa addressed the situation in a statement on behalf of the Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, underlining that TICAD’s primary focus is on development and cooperation, not political disputes.
“TICAD has been instrumental in promoting development in Africa through international dialogue and cooperation for over 30 years,” he said, stressing the need to avoid discussions that hinder the proceedings.
“We must respect differing opinions and aim to achieve the expected results. We are committed to having constructive and smooth discussions to reach a positive outcome,” Fukuzawa stressed. He requested cooperation to keep the forum focused on its developmental goals.
Polisario’s desperate tactics
This incident is not the first time the Polisario Front has attempted to disrupt international forums, including TICAD, to desperately promote its agenda and gain international legitimacy. In late August 2022, during TICAD 8 in Tunis, Tunisia unilaterally invited Brahim Ghali, the leader of the Polisario Front.
Japan, co-organizer of the summit, condemned the unilateral invitation, stating that invitations to the summit must be co-signed by the host nation and Japan, and participation is restricted to entities officially recognized and not subject to sanctions by the African Union.
“The presence of any entity, which Japan does not recognize as a sovereign state at TICAD 8 meetings, including the Senior Officials Meeting and the Summit Meeting, does not affect the position of Japan regarding the status of this entity,” the Japanese government said in a statement.
In September 2022, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashiconfirmed that Japan had not invited the Polisario Front to the Tunis summit and called on Tunisia to take necessary measures to address the issue.
Japan’s Consistent Stance
Japan’s position on the Polisario Front has been consistent over time. During talks in Tokyo with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on May 31 this year, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa reiterated Japan’s “consistent” stance on the Western Sahara Issue.
Referring to the autonomy initiative Morocco presented to the UN Secretary-General in 2007, she highlighted Morocco’s “serious and credible efforts” to resolve the Western Sahara conflict.
Previously, on July 30 of last year, Japanese Ambassador to Morocco Hideaki Kuramitsu, in a congratulatory message to King Mohammed VI on the 24th anniversary of the Throne Day, praised Morocco’s efforts towards resolving the conflict. He emphasized Japan’s support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative as reflected in relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Morocco’s diplomatic momentum
The latest stunt by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front comes at a time when Morocco is securing notable diplomatic victories regarding Western Sahara.
Earlier this month, Chad opened a consulate in the southern city of Dakhla, conveying its strong support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. This move, officially announced in September 2022, highlights Chad’s commitment to bolstering Morocco’s position and reflects the deepening of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Also this month, the Dominican Republic reiterated its backing of Morocco’s stance on Western Sahara. During a meeting between Dominican President Luis Abinader and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Abinader expressed firm support for Morocco’s sovereignty and described the Moroccan autonomy plan as the “only solution” to the longstanding Sahara dispute.
The Dominican Republic revealed plans to establish a consulate in Dakhla to further solidify this support and enhance Morocco’s diplomatic standing in the region.
In addition, France has taken a significant step by officially recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in July. President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s unequivocal embrace of the Moroccan autonomy plan in a letter to King Mohammed VI, stating that the autonomy initiative is the only viable basis for a political solution.
The autonomy plan “constitutes the only basis for a political, fair, sustainable, and negotiated solution, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions,” Macron said.
He emphasized that France’s stance on the Sahara issue would remain “consistent and unwavering” in support of Morocco’s territorial integrity.
In 2020, former US President Donald Trump made a historic move by recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. This decision marked a significant shift in US foreign policy, acknowledging Morocco’s long-standing claim to the territory.
Source: Morocco World News
