Morocco's diplomatic prowess is taking center stage in Africa, with Resolution 2797 cementing its newfound leverage on the continent. This resolution, adopted on October 31, has sparked discussions among African diplomats, former ministers, and policy experts at the MEDays Forum in Tangier. The focus? Morocco's diplomatic strategy and its impact on African sovereignty and global influence.
The roundtable, attended by representatives from various African nations, highlighted Morocco's consistent and resilient diplomatic approach. King Mohammed VI's leadership has fostered strong partnerships in banking, telecommunications, agriculture, energy, and cultural cooperation. The Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline and OCP Africa-facilitated fertilizer plants are testament to Morocco's ability to lead and strengthen intra-African solidarity.
Former Central African Republic Prime Minister Martin Ziguele praised Morocco's diplomacy as a combination of consistency and resilience, emphasizing the importance of security for development. He called for continued support in peace efforts, recognizing Morocco's credibility in promoting African-led solutions.
Samir Bennis, a former UN adviser and co-founder of Morocco World News, delved into the historical context of the Western Sahara dispute. He explained how Morocco's reintegration into the African Union in 2017 shifted the power dynamics, paving the way for Resolution 2797. King Mohammed VI's extensive travels and cooperation agreements laid the foundation for stronger alliances and a more positive stance on Morocco's territorial claims.
Bennis argued that Morocco's return to the AU transformed the continent's role in the dispute, making it a leading actor in legal resolution. This success is a result of years of patient diplomacy, and it's irreversible.
Former Somali Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdirizak Mohamud praised Morocco's ability to pursue sovereignty without escalation, offering lessons for other nations facing separatist pressures. He emphasized that sovereignty grounded in patience and confidence is earned, not imposed.
Former Kenyan Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on the 1982 Nairobi summit and the AU's contradictions. He praised Morocco's choice of diplomacy over conflict, highlighting its potential to manage sensitive disputes without destabilization.
The consensus among African leaders is clear: Morocco's diplomatic strategy, economic partnerships, and cultural influence, combined with Resolution 2797, define a new path for African sovereignty. This approach emphasizes long-term engagement over confrontation, offering a model for African states to defend their sovereignty and reshape international debates.
