TICAD-9: Japan reaffirms its non-recognition of the Polisario
Tokyo maintains its firm stance against the Polisario despite the separatist group’s presence in Yokohama.
Japan reaffirmed Tuesday in Yokohama that it does not recognize the Polisario Front, despite the separatist group’s presence at the preparatory meetings for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9). Tokyo insisted that this presence in no way changed its position on the Sahara.
At the opening of the meeting of senior officials, the head of the Japanese delegation clarified matters. ” The presence of an entity that Japan does not recognize as a state does not affect our position in any way ,” he said, specifying that Tokyo had only invited states with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
The Polisario’s invitation came from the African Union, which invites all of its members, including the so-called ” Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic” (SADR).
This position was confirmed by Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya at the opening of the ministerial meeting. “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 insisted to his African counterparts and representatives of international organizations. A few days earlier, he had already reiterated that his country ” does not recognize the so-called ‘SADR’ ” and that ” nothing has changed ” in Japanese policy.
The episode comes a year after a notable incident during preparations for TICAD-9 in August 2024.
A Polisario member, introduced into the Algerian delegation, installed an improvised plaque bearing the title ” Sahrawi Republic ,” prompting an immediate protest from Morocco.
Tensions escalated when an Algerian diplomat violently prevented Moroccan representatives from removing the unauthorized sign. The scene circulated on social media, prompting Tokyo to reiterate that only delegations from UN member states were officially invited.
In reiterating its position, Japan emphasized its commitment to international law and the principles of the United Nations.
This position aligns with that of the majority of UN member states, which do not recognize the Polisario and consider the 2007 Moroccan autonomy initiative as a credible basis for a settlement.
Morocco’s position is now receiving increased support, particularly from the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, which support its sovereignty over the Sahara.
TICAD-9, which is being held from August 19 to 23 in Yokohama, aims to strengthen cooperation between Japan and Africa in a context of stability and shared development.
MK/ac/Sf/APA
