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Rabat – The Peruvian Parliament has passed a motion expressing its official support of Morocco’s return to the African Union family.
The motion recalled Morocco’s key role as a founding member of the original body which operated under the name Organization of African Unity (OAU), acknowledging that, while the name may have changed, the basic structure remains under its new moniker. It described Morocco’s desire to return as a “demonstration of its commitment to the integration of the African continent.”
Morocco left the organization in 1984 in response to the AU’s recognition of the self-proclaimed, Algeria-backed Saharwi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) as a full member. Since his ascension to the throne in 1999, King Mohammed VI had campaigned steadily for the country’s return amid considerable opposition, and challenges.
According to their motion, the Republic of Peru sees Morocco as a strong, stabilizing force in bilateral and multilateral relations between African countries, and from there, the world. It acknowledges that Morocco will provide an important, unifying influence on the continent, shaping agreements which favour peace and development for all.
Peru joins the growing list of countries around the world, recognizing the positive impact that Morocco’s return to the African Union represents and expressing their welcome for the decision.
In a statement on Norway’s Foreign Ministry website, Foreign Minister Borge Brende stated, “Norway has strategic partnership with AU and we believe that the fact that Morocco is now part of this regional organization is a positive step.”
The US praised King Mohamed VI’s “strong leadership,” commending Morocco on returning the country “its rightful place in the institutional family of the African continent.” Us officials see Morocco’s return as an immensely stabilizing force to the continent and an opportunity to open and progressive dialogue regarding economic and social development.
Brazil, France, Spain, Belgium, Norway and Denmark have all issued similar messages of support to Morocco. All agree that Morocco’s return to the organization can only be seen as a positive, unifying step forward for the continent and the world as a whole.
