Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has said Africa is the future, and the future starts today. In a speech on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, over the weekend, King Mohammed VI said that as for those who neglect Africa play down its importance, do not care about its causes or engage in influence peddling, that is their problem, and theirs alone. He talked about his country’s January return to the African Union, noting that though it is a highly significant event, it is not an end in itself. “Africa was and always will be a top priority for us. What matters, above all, is the continent’s progress and the services provided to African citizens,” he said. He stressed that Morocco’s return to the African Union will not affect its solid bilateral relations with African nations, nor mutually agreed development programmes. According to the King, reintegration into the AU is but the start of a new era of joint action with all African countries in order to build a genuine, solidarity-based partnership, ensure–together – the continent’s development and meet the needs of African citizens. We are currently in the process of building an Africa that believes in itself, is committed to solidarity and rallies behind concrete projects while being open to its surroundings, he said. He noted that the revolution increased awareness of the destiny Morocco shares with the rest of the African continent, as reflected by the common struggle for freedom and independence. This solidarity-based endeavour is continuing today, he said. The aim is to achieve the shared development and prosperity all African peoples are yearning for. He outlined concrete pan-African measures Morocco has adopted since gaining independence such as participation in the first peacekeeping operation in the Congo, in 1960; the hosting of the first meeting of the African development committee, in Tangier, the same year; and hosting the 1961 Casablanca Conference, which laid the groundwork for the creation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963. The King reiterated his appreciation to all African countries which stood by Morocco-and even those which did not, saying “I am sure the latter will change their position, once they realise the sincerity of our endeavours.” Read more: King Mohammed VIs speech to Nation on 64th Revolution of King and People editorial@newtimes.co.rw
