Published on : 27/08/2022 – 15:31
Tunisia announced on Saturday the recall of its ambassador to Morocco, in the wake of a similar decision, the day before, from Rabat with regard to Tunis to protest against the reception in the Tunisian capital of the leader of the Sahrawi separatists of the Front Polisario, Brahim Ghali.
Diplomatic quarrel between the Morocco and the Tunisia. Tunis announced on Saturday August 27 the recall of its ambassador to Morocco, the day after a similar decision by the Moroccan authorities after the reception in the Tunisian capital of the leader of the Sahrawi separatists of the Front Polisario.
The leader of the Polisario, Brahim Ghali, was welcomed on Friday when he got off the plane by the Tunisian President Kais Saied, as well as the presidents and heads of government who came to attend the Japan-Africa Summit (TICAD). The two men then spoke in the presidential lounge at the airport.
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In the process, Morocco announced the recall of its ambassador to Tunis and the cancellation of his participation in the summit.
Brahim Ghali is the president of the Sahrawi and Democratic Arab Republic (SADR), self-proclaimed by the Polisario Front, which demands the independence of Western Sahara, almost 80% controlled by Morocco.
The question of Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony considered a “non-autonomous territory” by the UN, has for decades opposed Morocco to the Polisario, supported by theAlgeria neighbor.
“Serious and unprecedented act”
Announcing the recall of its ambassador, Tunis assured that it had “maintained its total neutrality on the question of Western Sahara with respect for international legitimacy”, advocating a “peaceful solution acceptable to all”.
“Tunisia respects the resolutions of the United Nations and that of the African Union,” said the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Contrary to what was said in the Moroccan statement”, the SADR had received a “direct invitation” from the President of the African Commission, he added.
On Friday, Rabat described Brahim Ghali’s welcome to Ticad as a “serious and unprecedented act, which deeply hurts the feelings of the Moroccan people”.
Morocco believes that Tunisia “unilaterally” invited Brahim Ghali to the summit “against Japan’s advice and in violation of the preparation process”.
With AFP