Ecuador Withdraws Recognition of Western Sahara's Polisario Front (video)

Ecuador is withdrawing its recognition of the Western Sahara's Polisario Front, marking a significant policy change since it recognized the group in 1983. The government has removed the Polisario from its diplomatic list and ordered its representatives to leave. This decision affects Ecuador's relations with Morocco and follows Panama's similar action.

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Ecuador Withdraws Recognition of Western Sahara's Polisario Front (video)
La République de l'Équateur supprime le nom de la soi-disant république de la liste officielle des pays ayant une représentation diplomatique accréditée à Quito

In a significant development, the Republic of Ecuador has begun the process of withdrawing its recognition of the Western Sahara's Polisario Front, a move that marks a major shift in the country's stance on the disputed territory.

https://x.com/ouamoussi/status/1860261977265770815

Background

Ecuador had recognized the Polisario Front, also known as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), in 1983 and had even established a "embassy" in 2009. However, the country has now taken concrete steps to retract its recognition, according to sources.

Concrete Steps

Ecuador has removed the SADR from its official list of countries with diplomatic representation in Quito, according to the country's foreign ministry website. This move comes after the SADR was previously listed on the ministry's website.

Furthermore, the Ecuadorian government has issued orders for the Polisario Front's representatives to close their "embassy" and leave the country. Photos and videos obtained by our publication show that the "embassy" is indeed closed, and the Polisario Front's flag has been removed from the building.

Diplomatic Communication

Ecuador's Foreign Minister, Gabriela Sommerfeld, informed her Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, of the decision during a phone conversation. Sommerfeld also sent a notification letter to the Polisario Front's representatives in Quito.

Implications

The Ecuadorian government's decision to withdraw its recognition of the Polisario Front marks a new chapter in the country's relations with Morocco. This move comes on the heels of Panama's decision to suspend its diplomatic relations with the Polisario Front on Thursday.

Table: Countries that have withdrawn recognition of the Polisario Front

Country Year of Recognition Year of Withdrawal
Ecuador 1983 2023
Panama 2009 2023
Others

List: Countries that still recognize the Polisario Front

  • Algeria
  • Angola
  • Cuba
  • Namibia
  • Nicaragua
  • South Africa
  • Venezuela

The Polisario Front has been fighting for independence in Western Sahara, a disputed territory claimed by Morocco, since the 1970s. The move by Ecuador and Panama is seen as a significant blow to the Polisario Front's international legitimacy.

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