Tindouf : Growing discontent over Polisario's diplomatic deadlock
«This impasse has led us to mistakenly celebrate mere participation in African Union summits as a 'victory'. Numerous indicators point to the decline of Sahrawi diplomacy, shifting from a phase of growth to one of mechanical stagnation.»
The outlet, known for its ties to the Polisario, decries «the lack of a unified diplomatic approach, which has allowed Morocco to fill the gap, particularly within the African Union. The organization has remained silent as many African nations have opened consulates in territories under the sovereignty of the Sahrawi Republic».
Meanwhile, Algeria is attempting to downplay these diplomatic challenges. «Today, Western Sahara is recognized by half of the African Union members (in reality, less than a third, editor's note). There are 55 states that recognize the Sahrawi Republic (in reality, about half that number, editor's note)», asserted President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during a July 18 interview with Algerian media.
The call for diplomatic reform, issued on Saturday, August 2, by a Sahrawi media outlet, coincided with President Donald Trump's reaffirmation of U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
The Polisario's diplomatic struggles reflect the broader decline of Algeria's influence in Africa, a shift that has recently left Algiers increasingly isolated in the Sahel region, once considered its stronghold.
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