AU Summit: Morocco Reiterates Commitment to Principles of Good Neighborliness & Non-Interference, Emphasizes Pressing Need of Combating Terrorist & Separatist Groups

Addis Ababa – Morocco reiterated, on Sunday before the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), its commitment to peace, security and sustainable development in Africa, emphasizing several priorities in the strategic vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for a prosperous, integrated and peaceful Africa.

Speaking at a meeting devoted to the presentation of a report by the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC) on its activities and the state of peace and security in Africa, and another on “Silencing the Guns in Africa,” the Moroccan delegation stressed that the Kingdom reiterates its conviction that a strictly military-security approach, while necessary, is not sufficient on its own to meet the continent’s complex challenges. The delegation stressed the need for a comprehensive vision, integrating socio-economic dimensions, to ensure a lasting peace, noting that this approach, advocated by Morocco and dubbed the “Tangier Declaration,” was endorsed by the AU Conference in February 2023. It emphasizes the development-peace-security nexus, considered essential to resolving African crises, the delegation added. It also stressed that Morocco has demonstrated its commitment to preventing conflict and promoting good governance, recalling its contribution to the specialized training of AU election observers from the continent’s five regions. This initiative aims to consolidate democratic governance and anchor honest electoral processes, which are essential for political and social stability in Africa, the Moroccan delegation said. Concerning the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the use of the African Standby Force (ASF), Morocco expressed its support for the engagement plan proposed by the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye, calling for the acceleration of the engagement process with the Peace and Security Council, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as well as with all stakeholders on the continent, including the Specialized Technical Committee on Defense, Security and Safety (STCDSS), the delegation added. The Moroccan side added that the Kingdom reiterates the pressing need to respect the fundamental principles of good neighborliness, dialogue and non-interference in the internal affairs of States, stressing the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries and calling for the avoidance of harboring or inciting terrorist and separatist groups, which threaten the stability of African regions. In conclusion, the Kingdom of Morocco, as a member of the AU Peace and Security Council, reaffirmed its commitment to actively contribute to the consolidation of peace and security on the continent, assuring that it will continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening stability and development in Africa, in line with the enlightened Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The Moroccan delegation also congratulated Bankole Adeoye on his re-election as AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, noting that the Commissioner’s tireless efforts throughout his mandate to preserve and consolidate peace and security in Africa were commended, while expressing confidence in his ability to continue this essential mission. The Kingdom’s intervention at the AU Summit once again demonstrated its central role in promoting peace, security and development in Africa. By advocating a holistic approach and supporting concrete initiatives, Morocco is positioning itself as a key player for a prosperous and stable future of the African continent.