Morocco has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the core principles of state sovereignty, national unity, territorial integrity, good neighbourliness and non-interference during a meeting of the African Union (AU)’s Peace and Security Council on Tuesday.
In a speech during debate on the escalating crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said Morocco firmly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all African states, with particular attention to the DRC in the context of the ongoing violence.
In the speech delivered by Morocco’s ambassador to the AU, Mohamed Arrouchi, Bourita reiterated Morocco’s long-standing opposition to separatism.
He condemned the destabilising actions of armed groups that jeopardise the unity of states, the Moroccan Press Agency reported.
This statement came as clashes intensified in eastern DRC between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group, which is reportedly backed by Rwanda, according to several United Nations reports.
The fighting has already displaced at least 500,000 people and threatens to further destabilise the entire region.
The UN reports that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan soldiers and M23 fighters have made significant advances in North Kivu province, encircling Goma, a city that is home to more than a million inhabitants, as well as another million displaced people.
The conflict has resulted in numerous casualties, including the deaths of 13 foreign soldiers, including three peacekeepers.
The violence has forced at least 500,000 civilians to flee, worsening the already severe humanitarian crisis in the DRC.
Bourita also stressed Morocco’s commitment to the principles of good neighbourliness, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue, warning that the future of the region was at stake.
He said that history would remember those who sought wisdom during this critical period.
Furthermore, Morocco reiterated its strong support for the ongoing peace efforts led by the UN and the AU to restore stability and promote development in the region.
Bourita called for collective action to support the mediation efforts led by Angolan President João Lourenço within the Luanda framework, a crucial initiative to resolve the crisis.
Morocco also commended regional organisations, including the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the East African Community, the Southern African Development Community and the Economic Community of Central African States for their efforts to achieve a lasting solution to the conflict.
Regional initiatives, in addition to continued support from international partners, require the full support of the African Union and the UN, Bourita added, praising the sacrifices of peacekeepers, including the Moroccan contingent of Blue Helmets, who remain committed to peace and stability in the DRC.
Bourita also sounded the alarm on the growing number of internally displaced persons in eastern DRC and strongly condemned the serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed by armed groups.
He urged all parties to exercise restraint and immediately cease hostilities to de-escalate the violence.
MK/te/lb/jn/APA