An Algerian diplomat physically assaulted a Moroccan secretary at the preparatory meeting for the International Ministerial Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Tokyo at the weekend. 
A shocking video shows the Algerian diplomat violently tackling the Moroccan secretary and slapping him to the ground. The incident occurred when the Moroccan secretary attempted to remove a card representing the self-styled “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic” (RASD). 
Reading “Sahrawi Republic,” the card had been illicitly displayed at the summit by an Algerian delegate who was posing as a representative of Polisario, the separatist group claiming independence in the Western Sahara region in southern Morocco.
Japanese representatives intervened and reinforced Japan’s official stance on the Sahara dispute. They reiterated that Japan had not invited any Polisario delegation and did not recognize the separatist group.
This unexpected act of defiance caused shock and confusion among participants, prompting immediate protests from the Moroccan delegation. The latter condemned the Algerian diplomat’s actions as a blatant violation of international diplomatic norms. 
The incident was a huge disruption to the TICAD conference, which brings together African and international leaders to discuss development and cooperation.
Algeria and the Polisario Front have a history of employing provocative tactics in a desperate bid to gain legitimacy and advance their claims on the disputed territory. 
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In 2022, the Polisario Front attempted a similar diplomatic stunt at the TICAD 8, held in Tunis, after Tunisia unilaterally extended an invitation to Brahim Ghali, the leader of the Polisario Front. 
Japan, co-organizer of the TICAD summit, had not recognized Ghali or the Polisario Front as a sovereign entity, and this move was seen as a breach of the agreed invitation protocols.
The Japanese government issued a statement condemning the invitation, emphasizing that the TICAD forum was intended for discussions on African development and that participation was restricted to entities officially recognized by Tokyo and not subject to sanctions by the African Union. 
Japan further clarified that Tunisia’s decision to invite Ghali was made without its delegation’s consent and did not alter Tokyo’s stance on the Polisario Front.
The latest Algerian stunt comes as Morocco is celebrating significant diplomatic gains concerning Western Sahara, particularly the recent recognition of its sovereignty over its southern provinces by France last month. 
This development represents a substantial boost for Morocco’s international standing and comes as Algeria has experienced setbacks in its efforts to challenge Morocco’s claims.
In response to France’s endorsement, Algeria recalled its ambassador from Paris. Against this tense backdrop, the controversial actions at the TICAD meeting seem to represent Algeria’s frustration with Morocco’s growing diplomatic momentum.