The preparatory ministerial meeting for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9), held on August 23, was disrupted by members of the Polisario Front who infiltrated the event under false identities, carrying Algerian passports.

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development is a major international forum focused on Africa's development, with delegates from UN member African countries, international organisations, the private sector, and civil society.

Japan, which does not recognize the so-called Sahrawi Republic (rasd), clarified that no invitation had been extended to Polisario or the rasd by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Japanese government also confirmed that no visas were issued to these individuals, who entered Japan as part of the Algerian delegation.

Once inside the meeting, a Polisario member attempted to place a placard bearing the name of the Sahrawi Republic on the table, leading to a swift response from the Japanese officials who reiterated Japan's stance against recognizing the entity.

This incident highlights the Polisario Front's continued use of deceptive tactics to gain a presence at international forums, often with the support of Algeria.

It also underscores the success of Moroccan diplomacy in garnering international backing for its autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty.