M. Samba, who is also a researcher at the Institute of Studies on Muslim Civilizations in London, noted in an analysis, that by suggesting the proposed autonomy, hailed by the major powers, Morocco "has carried out major step which illustrates its strong interest for political solutions of conflicts in Africa. "
He says that the project represents a positive response that Morocco brings to the call of the Security Council since 2004 to "continue to cooperate fully with the United Nations to end the current stalemate and move towards a political solution."
Morocco has thus entered into a positive and constructive momentum by taking the commitment to establish an autonomy statute for the Sahara region, said the researcher, adding that the kingdom "is trying to give this region its place and greater responsibility in the country's construction process at the economic, social and political aspects without discrimination or exclusion. "
This initiative aims to create the conditions for a process of dialogue and negotiation which should result in a political and peaceful solution that is accepted by all parties, he added.
"In this initiative, Rabat has made clear it would not exclude any party, the most important being to resolve a conflict that hinders the construction of the Greater Maghreb to meet the major challenges of globalization," says Sambe, stressing that the fact of writing a new page in the history of the should through a demonstration of goodwill by grabbing this opportunity.
"In this sense, the Moroccan authorities seem to engage in serious and constructive negotiations with the aim of creating a new climate of confidence," added the researcher saying that the project clearly expresses Morocco’s commitment to cooperate with the Secretary General of the United Nations and its special envoy.
The researcher explains that "while developing the project, emphasis was placed on the development of organs used for genuine self-development tools for a region with real potentialities and human resources of great value."
"As part of a logical approach excluding discrimination and exclusion, the project is guided by a spirit of openness but also ensures transparency in the management of autonomy", underlines the expert, noting that the proposed autonomy ensures greater involvement of this region in cases of national interest to ensure broad participation in economic and social development of the country.
He also notes that "the statements made by the Special Envoy of UN Secretary-General for the Sahara, imply the involvement of foreign countries, including Algeria, have helped to better understand the geo-strategic conflict hindering, very often, progress towards a negotiated and mutually agreed solution".
"If the Moroccan initiative aims to seek a political solution and a happy ending, it must be stressed that the negotiations can not be complete and meaningful without the participation of all parties," the researcher added, calling on these same parties to be animated by political will similar to that of Morocco.
The researcher stressed, on the other hand, that "this new era opened by the development of a project fostered a spirit of conciliation and diplomacy still actively engaged in seeking political solutions offers a rare opportunity for all parties aware of the need for peace and stability in the Maghreb and Africa ".
"This active contribution to the establishment of a climate of confidence, if appreciated by the other parties, could be a guarantee for success," added the researcher.
"The task of explaining (the project) is necessary in view of the importance of the resolution of the conflict for the desirable return of Morocco in the African family and on the international scene", he said.
Referring to the positive feedback generated at the international level by the Moroccan initiative, Mr. Sambe recalls the position of the former Personal Envoy of the UN, Peter Van Walsum, who called the independence Sahara as "unrealistic" and those of Arab countries, the United States and France which supported the territorial integrity of Morocco.
"Given the position of Morocco in Africa, conflict resolution would allow its return to the great African family allowing it to play its role both economically and in terms of leadership," said the researcher, stressing that " Morocco, which differs from its North African neighbors with a strong African involvement, has an incomparable advantage of leadership in Africa compared to its neighbors. "
He mentioned, in this sense, the active participation of Morocco in the process of building African Unity, in particular withing the group called Casablanca.
Source: MAP
- News on Western Sahara issue/ Corcas