Diplomatic crisis at Japan-Africa summit: Morocco expelled after assault on Sahrawi representative

A major diplomatic incident has erupted at the 2024 Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), leading to the expulsion of Morocco’s delegation.

The shocking assault on a Sahrawi representative by Moroccan delegates has drawn widespread condemnation and cast doubt on Morocco’s adherence to international diplomatic norms.

TICAD, established in 1993 by the Japanese government, is a prominent forum aimed at fostering dialogue on Africa’s development.

The conference, held every three years, brings together African leaders, international development partners including the United Nations and the World Bank, and various civil society organizations.

The forum’s primary focus is on promoting economic aid, private sector investments, and political governance in Africa.

It was during this year’s summit that an unacceptable act of violence occurred.

A representative of the Polisario Front, supported by the Algerian delegation, took his place at the conference, triggering an aggressive response from the Moroccan delegation.

Despite any controversy over his invitation by Japan, nothing justified the physical attack that followed, particularly at a forum dedicated to peaceful cooperation and development.

Morocco Crosses a Diplomatic Red Line

The assault by Moroccan representatives on the Sahrawi delegate was swiftly and unanimously condemned by both participants and organizers.

Such behavior, deemed entirely inappropriate in an international diplomatic setting, demonstrated a blatant disregard for the principles of dialogue and mutual respect that are fundamental to these events.

It is worth noting that, despite Morocco’s objections, the status of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) is recognized by the United Nations, ensuring its representative’s diplomatic treatment regardless of ongoing political disputes.

The Western Sahara delegation has also participated in previous TICAD meetings.

Notably, at the last summit in Tunisia, Morocco walked out in protest against the official presence of the Sahrawi representative.

A Severe Blow to Morocco’s Diplomatic Standing

In response to this unacceptable behavior, TICAD organizers made the immediate decision to expel the Moroccan delegation from the conference.

This exceptional measure underscores the seriousness of the incident and sends a clear message about the consequences of such actions in an international forum.

The incident is a significant setback for Morocco’s diplomatic image, raising concerns about the country’s ability to manage its disputes peacefully in international arenas.

The fallout from this event could have lasting repercussions on Morocco’s future diplomatic relations.

Le #japon 🇯🇵 expulse une partie de la délégation du #Maroc 🇲🇦 de son sommet en raison de l’attaque contre la mission diplomatique de la République sahraouie 🇪🇭 :

Sous les devises «La diplomatie n’est pas la violence» et
«Mettre fin à l’occupation du #SaharaOccidental»🇪🇭, une… https://t.co/2w4IhGcg9A pic.twitter.com/8Ro64xfefv

— ۞Faïza۞🇨🇵🇩🇿🇪🇭🇵🇸 (@Faiza_etmoi) August 23, 2024