Morocco’s Makhzen Regime Uses Fictitious Claims of SADR Exclusion from FOCAC to Distract from Tokyo Scandal
Makhzen’s failed diplomatic maneuvers at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) attempted to block the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) from participating, but ultimately backfired. In response, Moroccan media falsely claimed a victory by announcing that SADR would be excluded from the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). However, SADR has never participated in FOCAC, as it is a bilateral mechanism between China and select African countries, not a multilateral event involving the African Union (AU).
The African Union distinguishes between two types of partnerships: multilateral, involving all AU members, and bilateral, where participation is based on bilateral relations. Since FOCAC falls under the bilateral category, many AU members, including SADR, have never been part of its meetings. Thus, Makhzen’s claim of excluding SADR from FOCAC is unfounded.
This propaganda campaign attempts to cover up the failure of Makhzen’s efforts at TICAD, where the AU, Japan, and other African nations stood firmly against Makhzen’s actions. China’s unwavering support for the decolonization of Western Sahara, reiterated during Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s visit to China in July 2023, further undermines Makhzen’s narrative. During the visit, both countries emphasized the importance of a fair resolution to the Sahrawi issue, in line with international law and United Nations resolutions.
Instead of weakening the Sahrawi cause, Makhzen’s actions have reinforced the SADR’s position on the global stage, confirming that the Western Sahara issue remains unresolved and continues to receive international support for self-determination and decolonization.
