Rabat – Former Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki reaffirmed on Friday the urgent need to revive the Union of Maghreb, warning that maintaining the status quo “carries a high cost for the region.”
Speaking at a conference organized by the Front of Democratic Forces (FFD) under the theme “Prospects for Reviving the Maghreb Union Project,” Marzouki stressed that the region’s continued fragmentation as the “last non-integrated space” comes at a steep price now widely recognized across the Maghreb.
He called on civil society in the region to take an active role in strengthening the values of the Union and enhancing development prospects, emphasizing the importance of consolidating freedoms of movement and labor. Marzouki also talked about the role of national parliaments in shaping a shared vision, describing this as a crucial step toward building an integrated Maghreb space.
Marzouki further praised United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 on the Western Sahara, describing it as the culmination of Morocco’s persistent diplomatic efforts to affirm the legitimacy of its position.
Mustapha Benali, Secretary General of the FFD, underlined the significance of the event, marking the third session in a series of seminars hosted by the party to discuss Morocco’s relations with neighboring countries. He noted that Marzouki’s presence was particularly meaningful given his longstanding commitment to revitalizing the Arab Maghreb Union.
The conference was attended by political and diplomatic figures, human rights advocates, and members of the FFD’s political bureau and national council, adding weight to discussions on regional integration and cooperation.
