Rabat – Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Nasser Bourita, has reiterated Morocco’s principled position in defense of the sovereignty of African states.
In Moscow, Bourita made his remarks at a high-level meeting with Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday.
During a joint press conference, Bourita states that African nations need no foreign interference in managing their own affairs.
“We discussed the Sahel and Sahara, agreeing that respect for sovereignty and choices of these countries is crucial,” the minister said.
He added that countries in the region should not “be subjected to any guardianship,” recalling Morocco’s support for the stability of states like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
“His Majesty has repeatedly emphasized the importance of their stability, and Morocco will accompany these countries in anti-terror programs to strengthen stability and development,” Bourita said.
Morocco and Russia, during the meeting, also discussed the Russian-Africa forum, describing it as a very important framework.
“The upcoming ministerial meeting will follow up to ensure the forum meets expectations in development and stability with Russia as a longtime African partner,” Bourita said.
Morocco has always stressed that foreign interference complicates efforts to reach a sustainable solution to conflicts.
Many countries in the Sahel region have been subject to foreign interference in domestic affairs.
For years, countries like Mali have condemned foreign interference, including from Algeria’s regime. Last year, the Sahelian country reiterated its rejection of Algeria’s hostility, describing its acts as “unfriendly.”
Mali accused Algiers of “an increasing number of unfriendliness, instances of hostility and interference in Mali’s internal affairs.”
The remarks came in response to Algeria’s interference amid renewed tensions between Bamako and local armed groups after the 2015 Algeria Accord that Mali declared as null and void.
The agreement sought to restore peace, however, Mali announced the end of the deal last year.
Earlier this year, Mali renewed similar accusations, especially after Algeria shot down a surveillance drone near the shared borders.
Mali also announced that Burkina Faso, Bamako, and Niger will recall their ambassadors from Algiers for consultations.
They also denounced the “irresponsible act” by Algeria’s regime, with Bamako stressing that, as the drone never left Malian borders, the act was a violation of international law and proof of state-sponsored terrorism.
