9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development TICAD-9, held in Yokohama, was meant to highlight Japan’s growing role as a development partner for Africa. But alongside discussions about trade, health, and infrastructure, a political issue surfaced when members of the Polisario Front the group that claims independence for Western Sahara appeared at the conference.
Japan’s firm stance at TICAD-9: No recognition of Polisario
From the opening of TICAD-9, Japanese officials stated clearly that the Polisario’s presence did not represent any shift in their foreign policy. The Japanese government stated several times that it does not recognize the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, which the Polisario declared but the United Nations does not accept as a legitimate state.
Japan explained that it only invites nations with which it maintains official diplomatic ties. Since Japan has no such relations with the Polisario, its representatives were not part of the guest list. Their appearance was due to the African Union’s decision to include all AU members, but Tokyo reminded participants that this inclusion had no diplomatic meaning for Japan.
Why Polisario could not join official sessions ?
Unlike other delegations, the Polisario members never received official accreditation badges. Without accreditation, they had no right to enter most meeting rooms, speak during discussions, or interact with Japanese officials. This was a deliberate decision by the Japanese government to ensure that their presence would not be interpreted as recognition.
The delegation also planned to hold a press conference in Tokyo to voice their political claims. But the Japanese authorities canceled the event and reminded the organizers that only recognized states and official partners could use the conference platform.
Morocco gains stronger international backing
Japan’s stance aligns with a growing number of countries that support Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. Nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain have all backed Morocco’s autonomy plan as a realistic and practical solution.
By refusing to recognize Polisario and by actively preventing them from using TICAD-9 as a political stage, Japan reinforced its credibility as a partner that respects international law. The Japanese government stated several times that it does not recognize the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, which the Polisario declared but the United Nations does not accept as a legitimate state.
For Morocco, Japan’s actions are a diplomatic victory. They show that more influential countries are refusing to give legitimacy to separatist movements that operate outside United Nations frameworks.
Japan Reaffirms Its Stance on Western Sahara at TICAD 9