Japan expels Polisario delegation, cracks down on political activities at African Summit

Japanese authorities expelled members of the separatist Polisario Front from the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, citing violations of diplomatic protocols and unauthorized political activities.

The delegation, which attempted to use the high-profile summit as a platform to bolster its international standing, was removed from Japan before its scheduled departure date.

According to a Hespress AR source present at the conference, Japanese authorities did not extend an official invitation to Polisario representatives, who were only included under strict limitations as part of the African Union’s delegation.

The source noted that the delegation was denied access to the main conference halls, barred from delivering any speeches, and placed under constant surveillance by Japanese security services. “The Japanese government made it clear that TICAD is a platform for economic cooperation, not political agendas,” the source said.

Photos circulated on social media showed the Polisario members being closely monitored by police, images which pro-Polisario and Algerian media claimed depicted official protection. In reality, the source said, this was part of Tokyo’s effort to control the group’s activities and prevent disruptions.

The delegation reportedly held unauthorized meetings with parliamentarians, media outlets, and NGOs, coordinated with assistance from Algerian officials. These actions, considered to be in direct violation of Japanese directives, triggered a strong response from the host nation.

Japanese authorities subsequently canceled a press conference planned by the delegation, citing concerns over its politicized nature, and formally requested that Polisario representatives leave the country three days ahead of schedule.

During the opening session of TICAD 9, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya reinforced Japan’s position, stating, “The presence of an entity unrecognized by Japan as a state cannot affect its status.” The comment was widely interpreted as a direct reference to Polisario and a reaffirmation of Japan’s neutral stance regarding the Moroccan Sahara.

Observers said the expulsion highlights Tokyo’s commitment to keeping TICAD focused on development and economic cooperation and signals growing international fatigue with the Polisario’s attempts to insert itself into multilateral forums.