The presence of the Polisario Front at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IX) “does not affect” Japan’s stance over the Sahara or its non-recognition of the armed militias, said Japanese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fukazawa Yoichi, on Friday.
The statement follows an incident where an individual affiliated with the Polisario Front infiltrated the TICAD IX conference by posing as a delegate from the Algerian delegation. Using counterfeit credentials, the individual attempted to place a fake name card labeled “Saharawi Republic” on a table at the conference.
Addressing the issue directly at the plenary session, Yoichi asserted that any attempt by the Polisario Front to influence the conference would not alter Japan’s established position.
Over the years, Japan has consistently affirmed its support for Morocco in the Sahara dispute. In May, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa described Japan’s position on the Sahara issue as a “constant” in support of the Moroccan Autonomy Plan, presented on April 11, 2007.
During a meeting with Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Nasser Bourita, Kamikawa applauded Morocco’s “serious and credible efforts to advance the process toward resolving the Sahara issue.”
A year earlier, Japanese Ambassador to Morocco, Hideaki Kuramitsu, stated that “Japan appreciates the serious and credible efforts made by Morocco to move forward toward a resolution of this issue, as expressed in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.” Kuramitsu’s statement was part of a congratulatory message to King Mohammed VI on the 24th anniversary of the Throne Day.
Japan’s stance on the Polisario Front is in tandem with that of the United Nations and most international actors, including European countries and permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Polisario’s attempt to infiltrate the event uninvited is not an isolated incident. The separatist militia also infiltrated TICAD VIII in August 2022, prompting the Japanese delegation to denounce their presence, reiterating that “it did not affect Japan’s position on the status of the entity.”
In a statement to Morocco’s News Agency MAP, Political scientist Mustapha Tossa criticized the Polisario Front’s attempts to gain access to international forums, suggesting it is part of a broader Algerian diplomatic strategy to undermine Moroccan sovereignty over its southern provinces.
Tossa noted that Japan’s reaction underscores its unwavering commitment to its position, which might influence other African nations to reconsider the Polisario Front’s role in international organizations.