As expected, Morocco has regained its seat at the African Union, after an overwhelming majority of African countries okayed the Moroccan bid to rejoin the pan-African organization after 33 years of absence.
The return, officially enacted Monday during the first day of the 28th African summit, is viewed as an outstanding victory for Moroccan diplomacy over hostile attempts to botch up the reintegration of the North African Kingdom into its African institutional family.
The readmission of Morocco is also regarded as recognition for the tireless efforts made by King Mohammed VI who has placed Africa at the top of the Kingdom’s priorities.
By readmitting one of its founding members, the African Union and Africa will gain momentum thanks to the backing and leverage of a powerful regional economic actor.
Morocco was one of the founders of the Organization of African Unity, the predecessor of the present African Union.
It was in Casablanca that the OAU was born but Rabat left the organization in 1984 after it illegally granted membership to the Polisario separatist militia in violation of international laws.
Many African leaders and experts applaud Morocco’s return to the AU, saying it will give a new impetus to the African bloc on the regional and international scenes, and will enhance peace and stability in the continent, which is facing major socioeconomic and political challenges.
Morocco is currently the 2nd major investor in Africa. Its private companies are present in several African countries operating in banking, telecommunication, construction, insurance, housing, electricity, fertilizers, air transports…revving up social and economic development of Africa.
King Mohammed VI has paid several visits to African countries, part of his Africa-oriented strategy seeking to promote a strong and solidarity-based South-South cooperation serving the African people’s interests within the frame of a win-win partnership.
