Drama unfolded at the Tokyo International Summit on Development in Africa (TICAD) in Japan which Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi is attending when diplomats clashed physically during a ministerial meeting.
Moroccan and Algerian diplomats clashed physically during the 9th TICAD ministerial meeting on Friday August 23, prompting a suspension of the session.
The issue at stake allegedly arose over the participation of Ambassador Lamine Baali, representative of the Saharawi Republic and an unexpected appearance of the Republic’s nameplate on the table.
In the video seen by The Kenya Times, a member from the Moroccan delegation was seen trying to remove the name plate of the Sahrawi Republic placed in front of Baali.
An unidentified man was then seen rushing to the spot to prevent the Moroccan representative from the action, and both engaged in a pushing and fighting brawl, falling to the ground.
The session was suspended, and the chair’s voice could be heard telling the delegates that “those who interrupt the session will be asked to leave the meeting.”
Diplomats Brawl in TICAD Meeting
Reports indicate that Morocco asked the organizers not to let the Sahrawi representatives participate since Japan does not recognize the entity that calls itself the Saharawi Republic.
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It is, however, recognized by some countries in the African Union led by Algeria and South Africa.
According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the TICAD Ministerial Meeting was slated to happen in Tokyo on August 24 and 25.
At the meeting, participants are set to hold discussions towards TICAD 9, which is to be held from August 20 to 22, 2025 in Yokohama.
On the occasion of the meeting, minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Kamikawa Yoko will hold bilateral and other meetings with ministers of African countries and seek to strengthen the relationship between Japan and African countries.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi jetted out of the Country on August 22 for Tokyo, Japan to attend the meeting.
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The 9th TICAD Ministerial Meeting is organized, in conjunction with the United Nations (UN), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Bank (WB), and the African Union Commission (AUC).
Mudavadi Attends High Level Meeting in Japan
In a statement, the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs said that Mudavadi will speak on Promoting Trade, and Investment, and underscore the Government of Kenya’s interests during the meeting.
“Kenya’s participation at the upcoming TICAD 9 Ministerial meeting presents an opportunity to enhance the existing relationship between Kenya and Japan through the TICAD framework. The Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs will seek to showcase opportunities available for Investment in Kenya by the Japanese private sector,” read part of the statement.
“He will use the opportunity to call for international cooperation in response to climate change, achievement of the Sustainable development Goals (SDGs), and the reforms of the international financing architecture.”
On the sidelines of the meeting, PCS Mudavadi will hold bilateral meetings with minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Yoko Kamikawa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia Sara Beysolow, and Minister for African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Republic of Senegal Yassine Fall.
Also, the office said that Mudavadi will hold meetings with President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President, Toyota Tsusho Corporation Executive Vice President, among other leaders.
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