The Polisario Front’s attempted participation at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9) in Yokohama underscored its diminishing diplomatic relevance, as Japanese authorities implemented strict containment measures for the uninvited delegation.
The separatist group’s presence at the summit opening Wednesday occurred without official invitation, prompting Japanese organizers to deploy substantial security personnel to prevent unauthorized contact between Polisario representatives and legitimate state delegations. The containment strategy effectively isolated the group from formal proceedings and diplomatic interactions that constitute the conference’s primary purpose.
Security arrangements specifically prevented Polisario representatives from accessing official seating areas, relegating them to peripheral positions outside formal diplomatic zones. The delegation received no speaking opportunities during plenary sessions and was excluded from official receptions and bilateral meetings where substantive diplomatic engagement occurs. Japanese authorities issued only temporary passes rather than official visas, emphasizing the group’s non-recognized status.
The Polisario’s limited achievement consisted of obtaining a single photograph, which Algerian-backed media outlets subsequently promoted as evidence of participation. However, this minimal presence contrasted sharply with the substantive engagement of recognized African states conducting bilateral negotiations and development discussions throughout the conference.
Japan’s position remained unambiguous throughout the proceedings, with officials reiterating that the Polisario lacks recognition and would not receive such status. The incident highlighted the group’s deteriorating international standing as Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara continues gaining global support from major powers including the United States, France, Spain, and the UK.
The Yokohama episode demonstrates the Polisario’s reduced capacity to secure meaningful diplomatic engagement, relying instead on unauthorized appearances that yield negligible political returns while reinforcing its marginalization from legitimate international forums.