AU’s Exclusion of Polisario Marks Downfall of Algerian Diplomacy

The African Union's (AU) recent decision to exclude the Polisario Front from meetings with international partners signals a significant setback for Algerian diplomacy and the separatist group's ambitions. This development comes as Morocco's strategic re-engagement with the AU, following its 2017 return after a 33-year hiatus, reshapes the political landscape of the continent.

On July 19, during the 45th session of the AU Executive Council in Accra, a decisive vote saw 52 out of 54 member states support the exclusion of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) from the AU’s international forums. The move underscores the diminishing support for the Polisario’s bid for an independent state in Sahara and highlights Algeria's waning influence after decades of lobbying.

A Blow to Algeria’s Diplomatic Efforts

Algeria, a staunch supporter of the Polisario Front, reacted with indignation. Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf condemned the decision, accusing Morocco of manipulating the AU to enforce a policy of exclusion. His remarks reflected a profound sense of diplomatic defeat, as noted by Algerian political analyst Oualid Kebir. Kebir pointed out that the AU's decision demonstrates Algeria's failure to secure backing for the Polisario within the continental bloc.

“This decision implies that only AU member states can participate in major international forums,” Kebir explained, emphasizing the significant blow to Algeria's efforts to promote the Polisario's cause.

Morocco’s Strategic Victory

The exclusion of the Polisario from high-ranking meetings marks a pivotal shift in the AU's stance towards separatist movements. This change aligns with the pragmatic and diplomatic realism championed by the UN in handling the Sahara conflict. Morocco’s 2007 Autonomy Plan, which proposes a degree of self-governance for Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty, has gained considerable international support, including endorsements from the UN Security Council, the US, and Spain.

Sabri Lhou, a lawyer and expert on international law, echoed this sentiment, noting that the AU’s decision reflects a growing consensus against separatism. “The AU is now convinced that separatists and more separatism will undermine the Union’s unity,” Lhou said.

A Historical Shift

Morocco’s re-entry into the AU in 2017 ended its long-standing “policy of the empty seat,” which Algeria and the Polisario had exploited to garner support against Morocco’s territorial claims. By rejoining the AU, Morocco has effectively countered this strategy, advocating for unity and stability within the continent.

Kebir emphasized that the AU’s recent move marks a historic shift in its policy towards the Polisario, which had been included as a “founding member” through substantial financial incentives. “The decision signifies that the SADR lacks the necessary attributes of statehood and operates illegally in Tindouf,” he asserted.

Implications for the Future

The AU’s exclusion of the Polisario is perceived as part of a broader diplomatic realignment that favors Morocco’s stance on Sahara. This shift suggests that the AU is aligning more closely with international perspectives that view the Polisario’s independence bid as impractical and destabilizing for the region.

As Morocco continues to consolidate its diplomatic gains, the AU’s decision is seen as a victory for its efforts to promote a unified and pragmatic approach to regional conflicts. According to Lhou, this development indicates that the AU has liberated itself from the influence of separatist agendas, paving the way for a more cohesive and stable African continent.

In conclusion, the AU’s exclusion of the Polisario from international meetings represents a significant diplomatic triumph for Morocco and a notable defeat for Algerian diplomacy. This decision underscores a broader trend towards rejecting separatism and embracing unity, reflecting the evolving geopolitical dynamics within the African Union.