Algerian And Moroccan Diplomats Brawl in A Japan Meeting
A preparatory session for the Tokyo International Summit on Development in Africa (TICAD) was abruptly halted on Friday following an Algerian and Moroccan Diplomats brawl in a Japan meeting
The conflict centered around the presence of Ambassador Lamine Baali, representing the Polisario Front, despite Japan not officially recognizing the entity. Video footage circulated on social media shows a Moroccan delegate attempting to remove the Polisario Front from Baali’s seat. In response, an Algerian representative intervened, resulting in a physical confrontation that escalated into a brawl.
The session was temporarily suspended, with the chair warning that those causing disruptions would be asked to leave.
Diplomatic sources revealed that Morocco had requested the exclusion of the Sahrawi representatives, citing Japan’s non-recognition of the entity. However, Japan, under pressure from Algeria and South Africa, allowed the Polisario Front to participate in the TICAD meetings.
As tensions between Algeria and Morocco continue, the dispute threatens to overshadow the upcoming TICAD foreign ministers’ meeting. Japanese officials have remained tight-lipped on the matter, declining to confirm whether Polisario representatives would be permitted to attend. Meanwhile, Algerian activists have launched a campaign supporting Ambassador Baali amid the controversy.
