Rabat – Speaking on Monday, December 9, in Agadir, Lieutenant General and Commander of Morocco’s Southern Zone, El Farouk Belkhir said that the United Nations need to adapt their operations to the nature of modern conflicts “in the face of increasing threats.”
At a seminar opening an international forum for discussions and review of United Nations peacekeeping operations, El Belkhir recalled that Morocco is proud to have been active in UN peacekeeping operations for over 60 years. However, he underlined, the traditional approach to operations must change.
The Lieutenant General emphasized that the modern challenges facing Morocco and its allies in peacekeeping operations require a holistic, participative and inclusive approach. Such an approach, he went on, can only be achieved through active dialogue and participation of all stakeholders at a regional and global level.
Also attending the forum that will end on December 11, UN representative Major General Hugh Van Roosen said that resources and equipment are needed to facilitate the renewal of peacekeeping operations. He added that “improving soldiers’ operating conditions is a collective action” and a key requirement for capacity building at a logistical level.
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The opening session of the forum ended with an exhibition on Morocco’s contribution to humanitarian projects and peacekeeping operations over the last 60 years.
In a statement released after the December 4 visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the US State Department underlined Morocco’s efforts in international security, peacekeeping, and regional stability.
The State Department called Morocco one of the US’ key allies in ensuring regional stability, saying that the kingdom “takes a leadership role in African security.”
The statement added that Morocco has more than 2,000 soldiers currently deployed in UN peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic.
