“The Atlantic Initiative will change the vision of Africa”
Morocco’s importance in enhancing stability in Africa compared to other countries in the world positions the Alawi state as one of the most visible faces on the African continent.
The rise of Moroccan diplomacy can be seen in all areas. Economically, it benefits from a free trade agreement with the United States and the world’s largest fishing agreement with the European Union. Militarily, it has the backing of six of the world’s ten most militarily powerful countries, fights terrorism across the Sahel region, deters illegal immigration, and acts as a key partner in Europe. In politics, the country has gained the support of Western countries in its Western Sahara autonomy plan.
Morocco’s Fnidek border and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta (background) – AFP/FADEL SENNA
Morocco has implemented several actions to strengthen stability in Africa, including the royal government, which will facilitate Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean, promote regional trade and prosperity, and stimulate regional economies. None is more prominent than the Atlantic Initiative. It is about economic integration and projecting itself to the rest of the world.
Sahel regional integration is an important and necessary step towards ending the spread of terrorism in the region. Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Senegal and Burkina Faso are currently the focus of the greatest attacks by these groups, and stability in Africa is directly dependent on peace in the region.
A large part of the African sub-Sahari, a special conflict between the equatorial Sahel region and the African continent.
Go out of conflict forces, carry out military and peacekeeping operations, and create claves to maintain unstable situations. pic.twitter.com/q1vYQoob4M
— Nestor Siurana (@nestorsiurana) October 3, 2024
In this context, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York that Morocco’s approach to Africa aims to unite the countries of the continent and enable them to speak with one voice. He said that To increase its importance in global decision-making, especially in the area of migration.
Mr. Bourita explained that King Mohammed VI’s efforts highlight Africa’s common development and demonstrate the vital importance of Morocco’s ability to find solutions to current challenges.
The United Nations General Assembly discussed international efforts to improve Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean, which was supported by all parties and underlined its importance in addressing the region’s various challenges.
United Nations General Assembly – Reuters/Eduardo Muñoz
“The Atlantic Initiative will change the vision of Africa”
Nasser Bourita reaffirmed that the Royal Initiative will change the way we work with the Sahel region, moving “from responding to crises to finding solutions.”
Because of this anticipated impact, I am requesting the President of the African Parliament to appoint the Honorary Ambassador of the Initiative for Atlantic African and Sahel Countries to establish a Parliamentary Working Group on the Mohammed VI Initiative for the benefit of African countries. He requested the President of the African Parliament to appoint him. Visiting various countries and planning a visit to Morocco in November. They even proposed holding a conference on “Atlantic Africa, a catalyst for the African Continental Free Trade Area” during the next session of the African Parliament.
Third Ministerial Conference of the Atlantic and African States Process involving 21 Atlantic countries – PHOTO/MAROC DIPLOMATIE
Morocco’s actions in Africa, such as King Mohammed VI’s Royal Atlantic Initiative, highlight great potential for development. On the continent, it seeks to foster Africa-Morocco relations with the aim of creating joint policies to address Sahel and Sahara challenges.
The Royal Initiative reflects Rabat’s dedication to Africa through a range of strategic partnerships that contribute to the progress of countries involved towards prosperity, employment and well-being for a new generation of Africans. Over the years, the King signed more than 1,000 agreements during his visits to African countries.
King Mohammed VI and President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou N’Guesso inaugurate the construction of a disembarkation point at the port of Yoro in Brazzaville. This project is about sharing knowledge, skills and resources – Photos/Map
Morocco’s efforts have been highly praised in African political and diplomatic circles. For example, former Senegalese Prime Minister Mustapha Niasse praised the country’s commitment to Africa and emphasized its vision for development and integration.
Alternatively, Ambassador and Director of Morocco’s International Cooperation Agency, Mohammed Mescal, pointed out in an exclusive interview with Atalayar newspaper that King Mohammed VI has visited more than 30 countries since 1999, making a total of more than 50 visits.
Mr. Mescal stressed that Morocco’s mission is not to export its models, but to share the experience it has developed so far and make it useful to its African partner countries. Additionally, we will work with sub-Saharan African countries to take into account regional realities and enable these countries, and the continent as a whole, to grow faster for the benefit of their populations.
Mohamed Mescal giving a speech – PHOTO/ATALYAR
Mohamed Mescal said: “The importance of projects such as the Atlantic Gas Pipeline between Nigeria and Morocco for promoting regional economic integration and sustainable human development in the countries involved on the African continent underscores the importance of Moroccan-supported solutions. It’s just a small part of it.”
Morocco continues to work within the Africa Foundation to prioritize the needs of African people in the areas of peace, security and development, strengthening cooperation in various fields.
In line with the vision of King Mohammed VI, joint African action is being explored among the countries of the continent. Concrete actions will propel the countries involved into a new era of prosperity, job creation and improved quality of life for Africans.
File photo: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari shakes hands with Moroccan King Mohammed VI – AFP/Philip Ojisua
Within the framework of effective solidarity, the Royal Initiative for Afro-Atlantic States was launched during a conference held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly. The initiative aims to promote an integrated and prosperous economy in the Atlantic-African space and will enable the development of action plans in areas such as security, peace, blue economy and environmental protection in the Atlantic.
Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs said the country’s efforts demonstrate Rabat’s commitment to strong and effective South-South cooperation. The issue was discussed at the High-Level Week session of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.
Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhanoush speaks at the 79th United Nations General Assembly at United Nations Headquarters in New York City, September 24, 2024 – AFP/Charlie Tribarrow
Morocco is stepping up its efforts to support cooperation and collective action in Africa, in line with the vision of King Mohammed VI. Through programs such as the Atlantic Initiative, the country aims to improve communication and economic integration among Africa’s 23 countries and create new economic opportunities that promote stability in the region.
Africa is the world’s youngest continent and has the highest growth expectations, and Morocco has every hope of becoming the continent’s top spot on the international chessboard. This dream of a prosperous and important Africa was also part of the continent’s great figures, such as Nelson Mandela, who uttered the phrase, “I dream of a peaceful Africa.”
