Russia’s decision to exclude the Polisario Front from the first ministerial meeting of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum has dealt a blow to Algeria.
Speaking to Hespress, sources close to the matter noted that Moscow’s stance continues to undermine Algeria’s position.
“This is another setback for Algeria, as the Algerian Foreign Ministry, present in Sochi, watches its hopes fade in the face of Russia’s clear and consistent position,” one source said.
The source pointed out that, at both the 2019 and 2023 Russia-Africa summits, Moscow made it clear there was no room for separatism or “client entities” in its policy.
The Sochi meeting, which opened ahead of the third Russia-Africa summit, underscored Russia’s continued refusal to recognize the self-declared Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). “Russia does not recognize nor will it ever recognize the SADR, which it views as just one party to the regional conflict,” the sources added.
The meeting comes less than two weeks after the United Nations Security Council issued a decision on the status of Sahara, reaffirming Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory.
Sources emphasized that Russia’s position is in line with a growing international consensus, driven in part by diplomatic efforts led by King Mohammed VI of Morocco. These efforts highlight Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara as the “only viable solution” to the ongoing dispute.
This exclusion of the Polisario from international forums is not a new development. The group has also been excluded from recent African-China partnership meetings, African-South Korea meetings, and the Bali Forum.
On Sunday, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita held bilateral talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the conference. The discussions focused on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern, according to the Moroccan News Agency.
The conference will conclude later today in preparation for the third Russia-Africa summit, set to take place in the coming days
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