A tense incident unfolded during the TICAD preparatory meeting in Tokyo, as a member of the Moroccan delegation attempted to physically assault the Sahrawi Republic’s Permanent Representative to the African Union, Ambassador Lamin Baali. The confrontation occurred as the Sahrawi diplomat was participating in the meeting alongside his African Union colleagues.
The Moroccan diplomat approached Ambassador Baali from behind during a speech by Japan, the host country, and tried to grab the sign bearing the Sahrawi Republic’s name. However, the attempt was quickly thwarted by the ambassador and the African diplomats nearby, who restrained the assailant and brought him to the ground. Security and protocol staff intervened swiftly, removing the Moroccan diplomat from the hall.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of aggressive behavior by Moroccan diplomats towards their Sahrawi counterparts. After the failed attempt, the Moroccan Ambassador to the African Union and other members of the delegation verbally attacked Ambassador Baali and the African diplomats who had intervened, hurling insults and attempting to intimidate them.
A source from the Sahrawi delegation, speaking to the Sahrawi Press Service (SPS), linked the incident to Morocco’s frustration over its failure to exclude the Sahrawi Republic from the TICAD summit. Despite Morocco’s extensive efforts and propaganda, the African Union upheld its stance, refusing to exclude any of its members from such international forums, which reportedly provoked the Moroccan delegation’s aggressive actions.
The Sahrawi diplomat called on the African Union to take decisive measures against the Moroccan delegation to prevent further incidents. He urged the organization to ensure the safety of Sahrawi diplomats and other representatives, highlighting the need to uphold the integrity and dignity of international forums.
The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing tensions between Morocco and the Sahrawi Republic, underscoring the challenges faced by Sahrawi diplomats in their efforts to participate in international diplomacy despite persistent opposition from Morocco.
