Sahara Polisario Seeks Legitimacy at UA CPS

Sahara Polisario Seeks Legitimacy at UA CPS

January 15, 2026 Robert Mitchell News

Polisario Front ⁢Seeks Seat on African union Peace ⁣and ​Security ⁢Council

The polisario Front, ⁣through its self-proclaimed sahrawi Arab ⁢Democratic Republic (SADR), submitted a candidacy on January 12, 2026, to join ‍the African Union’s (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC), alongside Algeria. The ⁢move aims to challenge existing ‍dynamics ⁢within the AU’s⁣ central decision-making body, though⁣ its prospects for​ significant‍ influence remain low.

The PSC’s membership is determined by rotation among⁤ Africa’s ‍five‌ regions. The‍ council comprises 15 members allocated to ⁤ensure balanced regional ⁣depiction. According to the AU’s statutes:

  • West Africa holds four seats.
  • Central Africa, East Africa,‌ and⁣ Southern ⁢Africa each hold three seats.
  • North Africa is allocated two seats.

Currently, Algeria occupies ​one of the two⁤ North African seats on ​the PSC. ​The election for the remaining‌ North African seat is scheduled for February 15, 2026, during the AU’s upcoming summit in Addis ‍Ababa, Ethiopia.

The SADR’s candidacy presents a‍ direct challenge to Algeria’s regional influence within the AU.The AU recognized the SADR as a member state in ⁣1984, but its status remains contested internationally. Morocco claims sovereignty over the‌ Western Sahara region, where the Polisario Front⁣ seeks independence.