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Denver- Foreign Minister Bourita cemented Morocco’s commitment to the development of the Sahel region today, after a diplomatic meeting with African Union (AU) High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, Maman Sambo Sidikou.
According to local news sources, Bourita described Morocco’s relationship with the Sahel as one of “common history and strong human ties,” while expressing “total support” for Sidikou’s recent appointment as representative for Mali and the Sahel by the AU. Bourita highlighted Sidikou’s “experience,” “knowledge of the region, and his networks” as part of the value Sidikou will bring in helping to secure the Sahel region.
Sidikou is a Nigerien diplomat who is also serving as the Executive Secretariat of the G5 Sahel security alliance. The G5 Sahel was created in a 2014 agreement between Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger to combat the growing threat of jihadi extremist groups in the region.
During his speech, Bourita commented on the “simplistic approach” currently being implemented in the region, which he has deemed are “doomed to failure.”
He implored for “the international community and for the AU to update this approach” to adapt to the current reality in the region. The Sahel has been an increasingly unstable region of Africa and has become a notorious breeding ground for groups such as Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State’s West Africa affiliates.
Bourita concluded his statement by addressing the diplomatic relationship between Morocco and each one of the Sahel nations, which he described as “strong and important bilateral ties.” He also pledged Morocco’s commitment to continue being involved in international efforts to bring stability to the region.
Moroccan support is needed now more than ever with the withdrawal of French troops from the region, after seven years of intense fighting that had minimal effect on the explosive growth of radical groups in the area.
