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In the aftermath of Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz's death on June 7, attributed by the Polisario to a drone strike by the FAR, Brahim Ghali seems to be quietly gearing up for a behind-the-scenes election campaign ahead of the Front’s 17th congress. Citing internal sources, a Sahrawi media outlet suggests that Ghali may pursue another term as the movement’s leader at the upcoming congress, expected in the coming months.
The outlet underscores the current leader’s accomplishments: «During his three terms leading the Polisario Front, Ghali has navigated a period marked by renewed hostilities with Morocco following the collapse of the ceasefire in 2020, while also enhancing the SADR’s diplomatic engagement on various international platforms and bolstering its political presence in Africa and Latin America». This polished record, however, downplays the withdrawals of recognition and suspensions of the «SADR», particularly in South America.
Nevertheless, the outlet cautions that «the main internal challenge for Ghali in a potential fourth term will remain the lack of progress in the political process».
A Stage Set for Lahbib Abdelaziz’s Brother
This praise for Brahim Ghali coincides with an extensive interview given to a Spanish media outlet by Khalil Mohamed Abdelaziz, the brother of Lahbib Abdelaziz and the Polisario's representative in Madrid.
In the interview, he accuses Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of adopting «a Trump-style policy on the Western Sahara issue». Khalil Abdelaziz also criticizes the United States for «failing to uphold international law».
«Washington has still not taken on its role in resolving the Western Sahara issue in accordance with the United Nations Charter, which only complicates the balance of power in the region.»
These remarks from Khalil Abdelaziz, the Front’s representative in Spain, diverge from the Polisario's usual political stance. Brahim Ghali has maintained a more conciliatory tone toward the United States, intensifying criticism instead toward France and Spain.
In the coming weeks, the Polisario leadership is expected to appoint a preparatory commission to organize the next ordinary congress. This body will be tasked with defining the eligibility criteria for the post of secretary-general, expected to go to a member of the Rguibat Cherq. Since Lahbib Abdelaziz’s passing, his brother Khalil has emerged as a significant figure within this tribal component.
