Moroccanness of Sahara, Structuring Element for Efficient Partnership

The speech of HM King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the 69th anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People highlights the centrality of the Moroccan Sahara issue as a structuring element for the effectiveness of partnerships and a measure of sincerity of friendships, stressed Alphonse Zozime Tamekamta, Professor of “History of International Relations” at the University of Yaounde. “The 69th anniversary of the glorious Revolution was an appropriate occasion for HM King Mohammed VI to recall the trans-historical effectiveness of the nationalist commitment of the King and the People for a united and indivisible Morocco. It was also an occasion to salute the sincerity of countries and organizations (Gulf Cooperation Council) that support clearly and continuously the just and legitimate position of the Kingdom over the Moroccan Sahara,” Zozime Tamekamta told MAP. These are, among others, countries that, along with Peru (which withdrew its recognition of the so-called sadr on August 18, 2022), have withdrawn their recognition of the fictitious entity, thus adhering to the provisions of international legality, said the conflict and mediation expert. This irreversible international dynamic has materialized in recent years with the opening of consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla, two major cities in the southern provinces of Morocco, he said. In total, 40% of African states from five regional groupings have opened their consulates there,” the expert said, adding that, through these actions, bilateral and multilateral players contribute both to the respect of international legality and the construction of a stable sub-region aspiring to integrated development. By establishing, since March 2007, the Autonomy Initiative, Morocco offers the world a concerted and consensual approach, likely to be capitalized on in academic forums, the researcher noted. “Thus, HM King Mohammed VI sees the Moroccan Sahara issue as the central element in shaping Morocco’s international environment. The sincerity of friendships and the effectiveness of partnerships depend on it,” the Cameroonian expert added. Zozime Tamekamta stressed that the Moroccan diaspora is a central pillar of the patriotic anchoring of the royal speech. By saluting the strength of the bond that unites them to their homeland, praising their deep attachment to the sacred symbols of the Kingdom and by extolling their determined commitment to defend its higher interests, His Majesty King Mohammed VI has highlighted the salutary actions of the Moroccans living abroad, he said.