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Rabat – Japan strongly reaffirmed its position of not recognizing the Polisario Front during the preparatory meetings of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9), held on Tuesday in Yokohama.
At the opening of the senior officials’ meeting, the head of the Japanese delegation made it clear that the presence of the separatist group does not change Japan’s firm stance. “I would like to inform you that the presence of an entity that Japan does not recognize as a state does not affect our position on its status,” the Japanese official said.
He explained that Japan had not invited the Polisario to TICAD, stating that the country only extended invitations to states with which it maintains diplomatic relations. The delegation head detailed that it was the African Union that had decided to invite all its members, which includes the self-styled Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
This position was later repeated by Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya at the opening of the ministerial meeting of TICAD-9. “I would like to confirm that the presence of any entity that Japan does not recognize as a state has no effect on Japan’s position,” he said before African ministers and international organizations.
Just days earlier, in yet another blow to the Algeria-backed Polisario, Iwaya told the press that Japan “does not recognize what is called the ‘Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic’” and that there had been “no change” in the Asian country’s policy of not inviting the separatist group to TICAD.
During preparations for TICAD-9 in August 2024, a member of the Polisario Front infiltrated the meeting under the guise of an Algerian delegate. The individual placed a makeshift and non-official “Saharawi Republic” nameplate at the conference table, despite not being invited or recognized by the host, Japan.
The Moroccan delegation objected immediately, and in a desperate display were met with violence by an Algerian diplomat as they tried to remove the unauthorized sign. A video of the scuffle circulated widely online.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry intervened and affirmed that only UN member states receive invitations to TICAD. The entry and display by the Polisario-affiliated individual, who used false documentation and Algerian credentials, did not change Japan’s diplomatic position.
By reiterating this stance, Japan emphasized its respect for international law and the principles of the United Nations. The position also aligns with the majority of UN member states, which do not recognize the Polisario and support Morocco’s 2007 autonomy initiative for the Sahara.
Morocco’s position on Western Sahara is currently enjoying international momentum, with countries like the US, the UK, and France backing its Autonomy Plan and supporting its sovereignty over the region.
TICAD-9 is taking place in Yokohama from August 19 to 23, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and promoting development across Africa in a context of peace and stability.
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