Polisario Disruption at TICAD 9 Sparks International Outrage \ Newslooks \ Washington \ The Ministerial Preparatory Meeting for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held on August 24-25, 2024, in Tokyo, was marred by a shocking break-in by elements associated with the “Polisario” separatist group. This brazen act not only disrupted the proceedings but also provoked widespread indignation among the attendees, further exposing the group’s history of violent and aggressive behavior at international forums.
TICAD 9, co-organized by Japan and African UN member states, is a significant event focused on strengthening development and cooperation between Japan and Africa. The Japanese government, in alignment with its longstanding policy of non-recognition of the so-called “SADR” (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic), did not extend invitations to this entity. Invitations were strictly limited to African UN member countries, ensuring that only recognized states were represented at the conference.
Despite these precautions, “Polisario” separatists managed to infiltrate Japanese territory using Algerian passports, posing as members of the Algerian delegation. Algerian embassies facilitated this deception by submitting formal visa requests to the Japanese authorities, falsely identifying the separatists as Algerian citizens.
Once inside the conference venue, the separatists employed aggressive tactics in a bid to gain visibility for their illegitimate cause. One such individual, in a brazen act of thuggery, smuggled a falsified placard bearing the name of the “SADR” into the meeting room. This placard, markedly different from the official ones prepared by the Japanese organizers, was intended to deceive observers and create the false impression that the “SADR” was a legitimate participant in the proceedings.
This act of subterfuge was swiftly denounced by the Moroccan delegation, supported by numerous other attendees. The Japanese authorities, determined to preserve the integrity of the conference, promptly clarified the situation. A senior Japanese official, who chaired the meeting, made it unequivocally clear that Japan does not recognize the “SADR” and that the actions of the separatists were entirely unauthorized.
This incident is not an isolated case. The “Polisario” group has a long history of resorting to violent and disruptive behavior at international forums. Their tactics often involve aggressive confrontations, physical altercations, and attempts to intimidate other participants. Such actions are emblematic of the group’s broader strategy of using force and coercion to push their agenda, rather than engaging in legitimate diplomatic dialogue.
These violent tendencies have been witnessed at various international events, where “Polisario” representatives have sought to disrupt proceedings and impose their narrative through intimidation. These actions have not only undermined the credibility of their cause but have also alienated many of the countries and organizations that might have otherwise engaged with them in a more constructive manner.
The break-in at TICAD 9 serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which the “Polisario” and their backers in Algeria are willing to go to gain visibility on the international stage. Algeria’s role in facilitating this infiltration further underscores its involvement in the ongoing regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. As the primary backer of the “Polisario,” Algeria’s actions at TICAD 9 only reinforce its position as the main antagonist in this long-standing conflict.
In the wake of Morocco’s recent diplomatic victories, which have seen growing international support for its sovereignty over the Southern Provinces and the autonomy plan under Moroccan rule, Algeria’s resort to violent and illegal maneuvers appears increasingly desperate. Despite these underhanded tactics, the reality remains unchanged: the “Polisario” project, born out of Algeria’s ambitions, continues to lose relevance on the global stage.
As TICAD 9 proceeds, the focus remains on fostering genuine cooperation and development between Japan and African nations. However, the disruptive and violent actions of the “Polisario” group serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges that persist in achieving peace and stability in the region. The international community must remain vigilant against such aggressive tactics and continue to support legitimate and peaceful solutions to regional conflicts.
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