Japan Maintains Non-Recognition of Polisario Despite Summit Infiltration

“The presence of the entity, which is not recognized as a nation, does not affect Japan’s stance,” said Yoichi Fukuzawa, Japan’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Japan has reaffirmed its firm stance on the Polisario Front following the recent unauthorized presence of the separatist group at the preparatory meeting for the International Ministerial Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).

Yoichi Fukuzawa, Japanese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated at the plenary session that the Japanese government does not recognize the Polisario Front and that the group’s unapproved participation in the summit does not alter Japan’s diplomatic stance or impact the forum’s objectives.
Japan also stressed that it only invites United Nations member states to TICAD Conferences.

The statement of the Deputy Minister constitutes a denial of the maneuvers of Algeria and the Polisario to obtain a pseudo-recognition from Japan, by solemnly affirming, not only to African countries but to the whole world, that Japan does not recognize the entity and that its intrusion into the conference does not change its position in any way.

Reacting to this incident, the Franco-Moroccan political scientist and journalist Mustapha Tossa said that this act “shows the extent to which Algerian diplomacy is prepared to use any subterfuge to try to undermine the Moroccan status of the Sahara”.

“By trying to clandestinely impose the participation of sadr in this meeting, the Algerian regime violates the traditional position of Japan which does not recognize this entity and which has never invited it to participate in its dialogue with the African continent”, he argued.

According to Mr. Tossa, “this regrettable incident was an opportunity for Japanese diplomacy to reiterate its position of refusal to this separatist misadventure sponsored and financed by the Algerian regime”. And to add that Japan has officially affirmed its refusal of such behavior, noting that this incident will push many African countries to seriously consider the possibility of expelling from their ranks the “polisario” which is beginning to poison the relations of the African Union with its international partners.

Japan’s position on the Polisario Front has been consistent over time. During talks in Tokyo with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on May 31 this year, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa reiterated Japan’s “consistent” stance on the Western Sahara Issue.

Referring to the autonomy initiative Morocco presented to the UN Secretary-General in 2007, she highlighted Morocco’s “serious and credible efforts” to resolve the Western Sahara conflict.

Previously, on July 30 of last year, Japanese Ambassador to Morocco Hideaki Kuramitsu, in a congratulatory message to King Mohammed VI on the 24th anniversary of the Throne Day, praised Morocco’s efforts towards resolving the conflict. He emphasized Japan’s support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative as reflected in relevant UN Security Council resolutions.