Dounia Filali Condemns Thuggish Behavior of Moroccan Delegation at TICAD: A Diplomatic Scandal Unfolds!

In a widely circulated video, Filali provides a detailed analysis of the incident, labeling the actions of the Moroccan delegation as “undiplomatic” and “thuggish.” The footage, captured from multiple angles, depicts a member of the Moroccan team attempting to remove the nameplate of the SADR delegation in a hostile manner, leading to a chaotic altercation. According to Filali, this scene reflects not only a breach of diplomatic protocol but also the Makhzen’s underlying desperation to undermine the presence and legitimacy of the SADR in international forums.

The incident unfolded when Lamine Abaali, the Sahrawi representative, took his seat at the preparatory meeting and placed the SADR’s nameplate before him, affirming the SADR’s participation as a sovereign state. This move infuriated the Moroccan delegation, which had been actively lobbying for the exclusion of the Sahrawi representatives from the summit. Unable to accept the presence of the SADR at the table, one of the Moroccan delegates physically lunged towards the nameplate, triggering a shocking confrontation. The altercation, which took place in front of international diplomats and officials, sent waves of disbelief through the conference hall.

Filali, known for her sharp criticism of the Moroccan regime, characterizes the incident as a “disgusting display of brute force” that runs contrary to the principles of diplomacy. She argues that instead of utilizing appropriate diplomatic channels to voice their discontent, the Moroccan delegation resorted to sheer aggression, further exacerbating Morocco’s already controversial position on the Sahrawi issue. In her video, Filali denounces the behavior as not only a stain on Morocco’s diplomatic reputation but also a broader reflection of the regime’s oppressive tactics.

“Such behavior,” Filali remarked, “is not only shameful but also indicative of the Moroccan government’s approach to dissent. They silence opposing voices not through dialogue or diplomacy but through force and intimidation. The international community witnessed a glimpse of this during the TICAD preparatory meeting, but this is a reflection of how the Moroccan regime operates even within its own borders.”

The fallout from the incident did not go unnoticed by the other attendees. Following the confrontation, the Mauritanian delegation, which currently holds the presidency of the African Union, issued a formal apology on behalf of the conference organizers, reaffirming the Sahrawi diplomat’s right to participate in the summit as a legitimate representative of the SADR. This apology, while diplomatically necessary, further isolated Morocco, underscoring the kingdom’s increasingly tenuous position on the Sahrawi issue within African and international circles.

In her analysis, Filali further scrutinized Morocco’s overall diplomatic strategy, stating that this particular incident reflects a broader pattern of aggression towards those who challenge the kingdom’s political hegemony. She emphasized that the behavior exhibited in Tokyo was not an isolated incident but rather part of a systemic effort by the Moroccan government to marginalize and suppress the Sahrawi cause.

Beyond the immediate diplomatic implications, Filali’s video also raises broader questions about Morocco’s internal governance. “Look at how the Moroccan regime behaves in front of the cameras. Imagine what happens when there are no cameras—when journalists, human rights defenders, and citizens are not under the protection of the international spotlight,” she said. Filali’s pointed remarks allude to a darker reality of repression within Morocco, where dissent is always met with heavy-handed responses far from the gaze of the global community.