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Johannesburg – The African Union (AU) could clearly benefit from Morocco’s return, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) said.
In an analysis by its consultant Liesl Louw-Vaudran, the ISS has shed light on the main assets of Morocco, in particular a proven stability in a regional environment prey to uncertainty and a process of economic and political development conducted wisely By His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Morocco has succeeded in strengthening its resilience in the face of persistent terrorist threats and the instability that plagues its neighborhood, the Institute said.
“The AU, an organization that strives to become financially independent, could clearly benefit from a new member that is not as dependent on oil exports as many of its other big funders,” the African think-thank pointed out.
Morocco is stable and has sizeable investments across Africa, notably in the banking and transport sectors, the source went on.
Morocco’s political and democratic advances are welcomed all over the world, the source added, stressing that the Kingdom is continuing its efforts to strengthen the foundations of its constitutional monarchy.
Quoting analysts, the institute emphasizes that the absence of Morocco from the continental organization penalizes the AU.
This absence has not enabled North Africa to play its full role in Africa, adds the think-tank.
Those who try in vain to hinder the return of Morocco to the AU are embarking on an extremely risky venture which risks sowing a destructive division within the pan-African organization, says Hichem Ben Yaiche, director of the magazine New African.
The think tank stresses, in this context, that the return of Morocco within his African family is necessary in view of several factors including clear economic realities.
“The World Bank, in its latest country assessment, says the expansion of Moroccan companies into West Africa could potentially play an important role in boosting global value chains,” the source noted.
“COP22 was an occasion for Morocco to showcase its modern infrastructure and renewable energy plans, which include an investment of over US$45 billion in the next 10 years in adaptation and mitigation of the effects of climate change,” the ISS said.
“Morocco hosts one of the biggest solar electrification plants outside the town of Ouarzazate – a massive investment for a country with far fewer natural resources for commodities exports than its North African neighbors,” it added.
