Japan has strongly reiterated its non-recognition of the Polisario Front following an unauthorized attempt by the group to infiltrate the preparatory meeting for the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).

Speaking at the plenary session, Yoichi Fukuzawa, Japan’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, made it clear that the group’s unapproved presence does not alter Japan’s diplomatic position or the objectives of the forum.

“The presence of the entity, which is not recognised as a nation, does not affect Japan’s stance,” said Fukuzawa, emphasizing that Japan only extends invitations to United Nations member states for TICAD Conferences.

This statement serves as a clear denial of attempts by Algeria and the Polisario to secure pseudo-recognition from Japan.

The incident has been described by Franco-Moroccan political scientist Mustapha Tossa as a clear example of Algerian diplomacy’s willingness to employ deceptive tactics to undermine Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.

Tossa noted that this incident allowed Japan to publicly reaffirm its refusal to recognise the Polisario Front, a stance that could influence other African nations to reconsider their support for the group within the African Union.

Japan’s consistent position on the Western Sahara issue was also reiterated during talks in Tokyo earlier this year.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa highlighted Morocco’s “serious and credible efforts” to resolve the conflict, reinforcing Japan’s support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative as reflected in UN Security Council resolutions.