In the face of an attempted manipulation by Brahim Ghali, the leader of the Polisario separatist militia, who claimed an official visit to Dublin, Irish authorities swiftly dispelled the falsehoods propagated by the separatist group. In an unequivocal statement issued by the Irish Embassy in Rabat, Ireland clarified the nature of Ghali’s presence and emphatically distanced itself from any association with the separatist leader.
- Private Nature of Ghali’s Visit: Ireland categorically stated that the visit of Polisario Front representatives, including Ghali, was of a “private” nature and not “official,” as touted by separatist propaganda. The official declaration emphasized, “The visit of Polisario Front representatives to Ireland last week was a private visit” organized by a pro-Polisario micro-association in Ireland. Importantly, the Irish government had no involvement or responsibility for this activity.
- No Reception by Irish Government: Contrary to separatist claims, the Irish government did not extend an official invitation to the separatist group. The official statement bluntly clarified that the separatists’ visit was “not on foot of an official invitation.” Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and Foreign Minister Micheal Martin had no discussions, either official or unofficial, with the separatist representatives.
- Lack of Reception by Irish Legislature: The separatist agents were not received by any member of the Irish legislature. Both the Speakers of both Houses and the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs declined to meet with them. Only certain sympathetic members of parliament met with the separatist group on a personal basis, not representing the Parliament.
- Ireland’s Unchanged Position on Western Sahara: Ireland’s official statement emphasized that its position on the Moroccan Sahara issue remains unchanged and clarified. Ireland explicitly declared that it does not recognize the pseudo-separatist republic (SADR).
- Support for UN-Led Process: Ireland’s long-standing position on Western Sahara was reaffirmed in the statement, expressing full support for the UN-led process and the Secretary General’s efforts to achieve a definitive and mutually acceptable political settlement on the issue. Despite not recognizing the self-proclaimed SADR, Ireland maintains a constructive posture in promoting a diplomatic resolution under the auspices of the United Nations.
In exposing the Polisario’s attempt to manipulate the narrative surrounding Ghali’s visit, Ireland asserts its commitment to international diplomatic norms and underscores its support for a peaceful, UN-led resolution to the Western Sahara issue.
