Lhe crisis between the two capitals seems to reach a new height. In retaliation for the Moroccan protest against the reception in Tunis of the leader of the Polisario, Tunisia has also decided to recall its ambassador to Morocco for consultations.
In a statement published on Saturday August 27 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tunisia expressed its “deep astonishment” at the Moroccan decision to recall its ambassador to Tunis. Tunisian diplomacy sees in it ” an unacceptable prejudice against the Republic of Tunisia and a misinterpretation concerning the participation (of the Polisario) in the summit (TICAD)« .
“Complete neutrality”, really?
Tunisia recalls its position as “complete neutrality on the Sahara issue…with respect for international legitimacy, a firm position that will not change until the parties concerned have found a peaceful solution acceptable to all« .
Concerning the presence in Tunis of the head of the Polisario at the 8th edition of TICAD, Tunisian diplomacy explains that the invitation addressed to Brahim Ghali emanates from the President of the African Union Commission who addressed on behalf of the continental organization a ” memorandum inviting all members of the African Union« .
On the other hand, Tunisia claims to have ” complied with all organizational procedures related to the summit, in accordance with African legal references relating to the organization of summits, conferences and partnership meetings« .
In the same press release, Tunisian diplomacy indicates that it wants to preserve its friendly, fraternal and historical relations with the Moroccan people”. She also defends herself from“adopting an aggressive stance towards Morocco, and harming Moroccan interests« .
A crisis far from over
The crisis between the two capitals is far from knowing its epilogue. On August 26, Morocco decided to recall its ambassador to Tunis for consultation. In the process, Moroccan diplomacy also canceled its participation in TICAD scheduled for Tunis on August 27 and 28.
Diplomatic levers of protest after Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed received with great fanfare in Tunis, Brahim Ghali, the leader of the Polisario. ” The welcome given by the Tunisian Head of State to the leader of the separatist militia is a serious and unprecedented act, which deeply hurts the feelings of the Moroccan people and their living forces. reacted Moroccan diplomacy in a press release published Friday evening August 26th.
“Faced with this hostile and detrimental attitude to the fraternal relations that the two countries have always maintained, the Kingdom of Morocco has decided not to participate in the 8th TICAD Summit which is being held in Tunisia on August 27 and 28 and to immediately recall in consultation with the Ambassador of His Majesty the King in Tunis”, justified the press release