The Royal Moroccan Chess Federation (FRME) led efforts to expel the Polisario Front from the African Chess Federation during a meeting held at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Congress in Budapest, Hungary, from September 20 to 22.
The President of the Moroccan Chess Association, Bouchra Kadiri, played a crucial role in rallying support from various countries to oust the separatist group, which had been a member of the African Federation since 2019.
The African Chess Federation, headquartered in Algeria and led by Lakhal Mazouz, previously allowed the Polisario to participate in competitions, including the Jijel tournament in January.
However, the Polisario’s presence raised concerns among member states, leading to a collective response against the separatist entity’s involvement in African sports.
The FRME’s efforts not only resulted in the removal of the Polisario but also led to the ousting of the Algerian representative during the African Federation delegate meeting last month.
Morocco has made significant strides in defending its territorial integrity. In recent years, the country has gained the support of major Western powers, including the US which recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara in 2020. Spain soon followed in 2021, and France in 2024.