Sahara: Panama gives cold shoulder to Algerian envoy & his separatist agenda

Panama’s recent decision in favour of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara has dealt another hard blow to the Algerian military regime as the Central American country will take its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council starting January 1, 2025.

This is a major diplomatic setback for Algiers as Rabat has gained the support of another non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, wherein Algeria tries by all means to undermine the Kingdom’s territorial integrity.

Sensing the upcoming diplomatic showdown at the Security Council, the ruling junta in Algeria has sent Speaker of the country’s Parliament to Panama in a bid to convince the leaders of this Latin American country to reconsider their sovereign decision of withdrawing recognition of self-proclaimed “SADR”.

But members of the Algerian delegation were snubbed upon arrival at Panama City international airport where there were greeted only by Algerian ambassador. This is a slap on the face of the Algerian rulers who are losing international credibility and becoming a source of regional destabilisation prompting global concern.

In diplomacy, protocol matters. In Panama, the authorities sent Algerian junta, de facto rulers, a subtle message saying that their decision over the Sahara is irreversible to spare them further embarrassment and humiliation.

The Speaker of Algerian Parliament was planning to avail the opportunity of the meeting of Latin American & Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino), convening in Panama, to raise the issue of Morocco’s territorial integrity and defend separatism but his plans have been nipped in the bud.

King Mohammed VI has sent a message of thanks to President of Panama José Raúl Mulino Quintero, following his country’s decision to cut all ties with SADR.

“I would like to express my most sincere thanks, following the wise decision taken by your friendly country on November 21, 2024 regarding Morocco’s first National Cause,” the King said, describing this decision as “highly significant” as it reinforces Morocco’s legitimate rights, falls “in line with international legality,” and “is consistent with the ongoing global momentum.”

“I am pleased that a new page is being opened in the bilateral ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Panama,” the King said, stressing that “the Kingdom is driven by a genuine desire to strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation with Panama, in all fields, for the benefit of our two peoples.”

Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez has lauded the royal message sent to President José Raul Mulino. He has also pledged that his country will actively contribute to seeking a definitive solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara.
Ecuador has also cut ties with the Algeria-backed Polisario and self-proclaimed SADR. Paraguay, Brazil and other Latin American countries are expected to follow suit building on the growing international support for Morocco’s full sovereignty over its entire Sahara.