Despite Antonio Guterres’ intervention, the Polisario military troops parade in Tifariti

Ignoring the call launched by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the anger expressed Saturday by the Moroccan Foreign Ministry, the Polisario commemorated the 45th anniversary of its creation by sending armed groups to Tifariti, in north-eastern Western Sahara, east of the Moroccan Berm, 138 km from Smara and 15 km north of the Mauritanian border.

During this event, the Front’s leader Brahim Ghali delivered a speech in which he praised the «achievements» the Front reached since May 20th, 1973. The commemoration in Tifariti, comes only three weeks after the UN Security Council adopted resolution 2414.

Military parades were organized near the MINURSO Team Site in Tifariti. «The celebrations have also been attended by delegations representing Saharawi provinces and institutions, international personalities, ambassadors from friendly countries and supporters of the Saharawi just cause», wrote the Front on its «news agency» SPS.

No ambassadors in Tifariti

However, a source contacted by Yabiladi brought a different account from the one made public by the Front. «No ambassador was present in Tifariti. The military attachés accredited in Algeria and from South Africa, Angola and Cuba as well as Algerian officers attended the event».

Unlike expectations, no senior officer from the Mauritanian army has made it to Tifariti on Sunday, said the same source. On the 25th of December, the head of Tiriss Ezzemmour’s second military region, Hammadi Ould Aly Mouloud, represented the Mauritanian president during the military exercises carried out by the Polisario in Agounit.

The organization of these shows may further complicate Horst Köhler's mission. The German mediator who wants to revive the fifth round of direct negotiations (the fourth one dates back to 2007 and 2008) between the kingdom and the Polisario will have to be patient while waiting for a more lenient regional context.