Japan has reaffirmed its position that it does not recognize the Polisario Front as a state, despite the separatist group’s presence at the preparatory meetings for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama.
Tokyo clarified that this presence, facilitated by the African Union, in no way changes its official stance on the Sahara issue.
At the opening of the meeting of senior officials, the head of the Japanese delegation stated, “The presence of an entity that Japan does not recognize as a state in no way affects our position.” He further explained that Japan only invites states with which it maintains diplomatic relations. The Polisario Front’s invitation came from the African Union, which invites all its members, including the so-called “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic” (SADR).
This position was reiterated by Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya at the ministerial meeting, who insisted that “the presence of any entity that Japan does not recognize as a state has no effect on Japan’s position.”
This incident follows a similar one that occurred a year prior, during the preparations for TICAD 9 in August 2024. A member of the Algerian delegation, who was part of the Polisario, installed a plaque bearing the title “Sahrawi Republic,” which prompted an immediate protest from Morocco. The situation escalated, and Tokyo subsequently reiterated that only delegations from UN member states were officially invited to the conference.
By consistently reaffirming its position, Japan emphasizes its commitment to international law and the principles of the United Nations. This stance is shared by 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 receiving increased support, particularly from the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, who recognize its sovereignty over the Sahara.
TICAD 9, which runs 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/fss/abj/APA