Japan Deals a Heavy Blow to the Polisario and Confirms Its International Isolation

ALDAR/ Iman Alaoui

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9) turned into a revealing moment for the fragile position the Polisario Front now occupies on the international stage, as it found itself excluded from political and diplomatic considerations at one of the world’s largest forums. From the outset, Japanese authorities made it clear that they do not recognize the so-called “Sahrawi Republic,” denying the separatist delegation any official status or legitimacy to take part in the conference’s proceedings. Polisario representatives received neither official invitations nor accreditation and were treated as intruders who had slipped in through direct Algerian backing. This led to chaos during one of the sessions when they attempted to sit with forged badges and display signs bearing the name of an unrecognized entity.

Japan’s stance was made explicit by Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, who told participants that his country does not recognize any entity lacking international legitimacy — a clear reference to the Polisario. This was reinforced by strict security measures that restricted their movements and barred them from any side events or bilateral meetings. Their presence in Tokyo quickly became an embarrassing scene confined to hotel lobbies, far from the halls where real decisions were being made.

What happened in Japan was not just a minor protocol incident, but a strategic turning point in the way major powers are approaching the issue. Most influential states now refuse to let the Polisario exploit development forums for political purposes. The episode also highlighted the extent of the isolation chasing the group, even in Asia, and demonstrated that Algerian support is no longer sufficient to sway international positions, which are increasingly inclined toward Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the most realistic and effective solution.

Through this firm stance, Tokyo sent a clear message: the era of propaganda maneuvers is over, and African development cannot be held hostage by fictitious entities lacking international recognition. The Polisario delegation left Japan earlier than scheduled, weighed down by yet another setback that confirms its path toward deeper isolation, while Morocco continues to strengthen its role as a credible partner enjoying global acceptance and support.