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Join on Telegram Rabat — During his participation in the 1st Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi on Sunday, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita emphasized that peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through good neighborly relations, which require mutual respect and cooperation.
While he did not mention Algeria by name, his remarks referenced the Algerian regime’s continued hostility and its ongoing support for the Polisario Front, a separatist group that threatens Morocco’s territorial integrity.
“There can be no shared peace and prosperity in Africa, for the benefit of the peoples of our region, without strict respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states. There can be no shared peace and prosperity on our continent without respect for the rules of good neighborliness between African states,” Bourita said.
Bourita’s remarks come as Algeria continues to oppose and challenge Morocco’s territorial integrity by all means, including extensive lobbying efforts on the international stage.
This support is offered amid the serious threats and attacks from Polisario, of which Algeria finances, hosts, and arms.
On Saturday, the Polisario carried out a heinous attack near tents full of civilians celebrating Morocco’s Green March anniversary in Mahbes, in southern Morocco.
While Algeria is directly involved in supporting Polisario and its fictitious aspiration to establish an independent “state” in southern Morocco, it consistently shirks its responsibility in the dispute.
Algeria refuses to contribute to the UN-led political process and continues to undermine efforts to find a peaceful solution.
Africa is capable of managing its problems
During his speech, Bourita emphasized Africa’s growing significance on the global stage.
“We come to Sochi with a strong conviction: it’s not Africa that needs the rest of the world. In fact, it’s the rest of the world that increasingly needs Africa,” Bourita said in his speech.
In his remarks, Bourita also renewed Morocco’s commitment to continue promoting African development, adding that the continent has a rich history and diversity.
“Africa’s international voice must be heard and respected,” he said, expressing gratitude to Russia for recognizing the continent’s role and potential.
Bourita also called for an end to the traditional foreign relations with Africa– stressing the importance of moving away from a paternalistic approach.
For Bourita, Africa should not be treated as a dependent or passive recipient of aid. The minister noted that the continent is capable of managing its own challenges and should be treated as an equal partner.
“What Africa needs are structuring projects for human and social development,” the Moroccan FM said, adding that the continent’s best partners are those who can best support its momentum.
He said Morocco’s initiatives like the Atlantic African Countries and the others are part of its commitment to continue boosting the continent’s potential.
“These initiatives serve to illustrate with facts, the call that His Majesty the King has constantly made for a change of approach on the part of traditional partners towards the African continent,” he said, adding that the continents need less assistance and more mutually beneficial partnerships.
