Former Senegalese FM Praises Royal Speech as Stimulating Act in Defense of Moroccan Sahara Issue

The Speech delivered by HM King Mohammed VI at the opening of the 1st session of the 4th legislative year of the 11th legislature is a stimulating act in defense of the Moroccan Sahara issue, said the former Senegalese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mankeur Ndiaye. In a statement to MAP, the Senegalese diplomat stressed that HM the King has, in His Speech, reviewed the significant progress made in defending the rightness of Morocco’s first cause, while outlining extremely important prospects for the triumph of this issue. Ndiaye, who was one of the signatories of the Tangier Appeal for the expulsion of the pseudo “sadr” from the African Union, said that the Sovereign stressed the importance of taking a proactive – rather than reactive – stance, noting the major achievements made in recent years through growing international support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara, notably from influential countries. The Senegalese politician highlighted France’s positive position, describing this development as an “extremely important” achievement. He underlined the progress made in the Southern Provinces, as well as the strong diplomatic momentum in the region with the opening of numerous consulates general. Highlighting the Kingdom’s African vocation, the former head of Senegalese diplomacy welcomed “the strong initiatives” taken by His Majesty the King, citing in particular the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline economic integration megaproject, as well as the Atlantic initiative aimed at developing the Atlantic coastline by involving the Sahel countries.