Youssef Amrani, the ambassador of Morocco to South Africa, has vehemently denied the false claims made about the Moroccan Sahara issue recently by Alvin Botes, the country’s deputy minister of foreign affairs, in an opinion piece that was written specifically about the Moroccan Sahara issue and appeared in the party magazine “ANC Today.”

The Moroccan diplomat dissects South African discourse on the Moroccan Sahara issue and corrects misconceptions, baseless claims, and intellectual deficiencies of an ideologically skewed and limited perspective in his reaction to these insulting, unsubstantiated, and inappropriate accusations.

Additionally, this unquestioning allegiance to Algerian theses raises serious concerns about its utility and purpose, betraying the ambition, vision, and ideal of forging a powerful and united Africa. In reality, he recalled Morocco’s historical support for the fight against colonialism and apartheid, which played a crucial role in the formation of the liberation movement in South Africa.

According to the late Nelson Mandela, denying this historical fact is an insult to the sacrifices made by the Moroccan people in their fight against colonialism and ignores their unwavering support and solidarity as well as their voluntary support for the brethren African peoples in pursuing the same objective.

Amrani questioned how South Africa, which had during its time in the Security Council in 2007 voted in favor of the Resolution on the Moroccan Sahara issue enshrining the preeminence of the “autonomy initiative” and the political process, can still promote outdated theses and abandoned for more than 20 years while pointing out the contradictions in its position. A bygone idea from a bygone period that has been obviously abandoned and buried by the United Nations and the international community is only kept alive by continuing, without any sense of coherence or reason, to view the referendum as the solution to the Moroccan Sahara issue.

Returning to these unjustified and unfounded semantics on the subject of human rights, the ambassador adamantly stated that Morocco has nothing to hide and has no complexes, taboos, or lessons to learn. Morocco also has nothing to hide. In fact, Morocco, a country with a thousand-year history and a DNA infused with concepts of tolerance, openness, and peace, has permanently inscribed the universality of human rights in the Kingdom’s Constitution. It is clear that the people of the Southern Provinces are fully committed to the process of establishing democracy in the Kingdom by participating in such prodigious numbers in the general and municipal elections scheduled for September 2021.

The ambassador expressed sorrow in his letter that the piece supported the inaccurate claims made about the alleged “activist” Sultana Khaya and even veered off topic to merely spread “polisario” misinformation. Amrani noted in this regard that various officials and UN bodies had purposefully distanced themselves from her deceptions and nefarious claims when her intents, lies, and dishonest tactics had been revealed.

The Moroccan envoy also rejected the claims that “Morocco is plundering the resources of the Sahara region” with numbers. He highlighted that Morocco has made socioeconomic growth and infrastructure building among its top goals ever since it gained its independence. The adoption of the Development Model for the Southern Provinces, created with complete local engagement in all areas of its planning and execution, eight years ago, has strengthened this human and inclusive development.

The results of this vision are currently 80% of the allocated budget, or more than 7.5 billion dollars, realized, he said. The main socio-economic indicators also show that the Southern Provinces are performing better than the rest of the Kingdom, particularly in terms of GDP per capita, which is 50% higher than the national average, or in terms of poverty rate, which is three times lower than the national average.

Ambassador Amrani questioned the deputy minister about Pretoria’s blindness and shameful silence on the terrible humanitarian situation in the Tindouf camps, in Algeria, denouncing the politicization of the human rights issue. Why is Tindouf the only “refugee” camp in the world where the UNHCR is prohibited from carrying out its duties? How is it acceptable that Algeria has given an armed separatist organization the responsibility of protecting human rights on its own territory?

In complete violation of the international agreements and treaties Algeria has signed, this de facto transfer of authority from Algeria to the “polisario” on its soil has left the residents of the camps in a precarious, abandoned, and insecure situation and denied them access to the institutions of judicial recourse. He stated that a state cannot delegate its authority and consequently its duty to an armed militia operating on its soil.

The envoy said that the Sahara issue is more than just a topic on the Security Council’s agenda for the Moroccan people. According to him, it is a matter that is closely related to the sovereignty of the country of Morocco.

In addition to being acknowledged as credible, serious, and realistic by the UN Security Council and the major countries, the Moroccan Autonomy Plan also serves as the catalyst for the UN-led political process that we are all working to promote, he continued. The Autonomy Plan is indisputable evidence of Morocco’s willingness to consider a practical and constructive solution while maintaining the Kingdom’s territorial integrity in the current complicated geopolitical environment. It is evidence—if any were required—of the Kingdom’s real dedication to long-term tranquility, uniformity, integration, and prosperity in the area and across the continent.
Read Also: Sahara: Staffan De Mistura ends his informal consultations

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The Moroccan ambassador to the European Union, Youssef Amrani, will finally be able to take up his duties in the Belgian capital. According to our information, his accreditation has been validated by the European authorities.

Youssef Amrani, the Moroccan ambassador to the EU who was chosen by H.M. King Mohammed VI, could shortly start working in that role after the European Union confirmed his accreditation. These specific details were obtained from “Afrique Intelligence,” which disseminates them based on information gathered from European authorities.

The new Ambassador of the Kingdom to the EU, was appointed on October 18, by the Sovereign after heading the Moroccan diplomatic mission in South Africa. He succeeds Ahmed Rahhou, the current president of the Competition Council.

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His Excellency Mr. Youssef Amrani was named Ambassador to the European Union, while Mohammed Benchaaboun was named Ambassador to the France by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

The decision was made in a statement following a ministerial council in Fez presided over by King Mohammed VI. 

According to the statement, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita and Head of Government Aziz Akhannoch both recommended Amrani to be Morocco’s ambassador to the EU.

Amrani worked at the foreign ministry for several years, most recently as Morocco’s ambassador to South Africa.

Amrani was also a part of the royal cabinet from 2013 to 2018.

Benchaaboun was the CEO of BCP bank, one of Morocco’s top institutions, before being appointed finance minister in 2018.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, he stood out for his leadership and well-thought-out efforts, as his department rose to prominence as one of the top performing ministries in minimizing, containing, and preparing for a comeback.

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For the past two years, we have been constrained in celebrating our glorious Throne Day within the dire context of the global pandemic crisis of Covid-19.

The past two years have changed our habits but did not alter our core beliefs. Regardless, Morocco’s past, present and future are driven by the same identity, attached to the same conviction and carries the same ambition as it has done for centuries.

As we celebrate today, the 22nd Anniversary of the accession of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the throne, we are, in effect, celebrating 22 years of a visionary path, one that has continually guided and led Morocco in its endeavours, its developments, and its choices for a better future.

Today’s celebration is the perfect reflection of our nation’s unity, which has always be driven by traditional commitments and long-standing solidarities.

Morocco is an ancient nation but one that engages its future, while honouring its past. The kingdom upholds its ancestral values no matter the circumstances. This year is no different. Despite all the challenges, our country has never given up or failed in its core commitments, which hare an integral part of its national DNA. Morocco has always moved forward with courage and serenity. And in more than one aspect, this year has been, for Morocco, a year of outspoken renewal, enhanced adaptation, and re-commitment to unwavering solidarity.

This renewal for the kingdom was not dictated by the crisis but rather by our visionary choices. Long before the emergence of the pandemic, Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, initiated a comprehensive and inclusive discussion about a new development model. The model was finalised a month ago, after years of development, as a global pact that interlocks the aspirations of our citizens and the requirements from our public policies. The project mobilises all Moroccans who work in unity to craft a future of shared prosperity and solidarity.

Managing this global health crisis has meant many sacrifices have had to be made, but these are aligned to commitment and empathy, so that we can make the right choices. In all the decisions taken by Morocco – the interests, well-being and protection of humans – has always taken precedence over all other considerations.

Morocco has never, and will never, waiver in its humanism nor deviate from its ancestral principles. It continues to uphold its core values, and remains steadfast in the face of the severity and difficulty of this virus, however relentless it is. Where some suggest Covid is a breaking force, Morocco prefers to see it as an opportunity to create new milestones that will accelerate change for the better. The generalisation of social protection to all Moroccans is one of the most articulated example of this change for the better.

This project was conceived against the backdrop of the pandemic, and was designed by His Majesty Mohammed VI. It is set to change the lives of millions of Moroccans in various ways, not least is that within the next five years health coverage, family allowances, retirement pensions and compensation for loss of jobs is to increase. This will manifest in far-reaching reform, indicating that Morocco is shifting towards a social state through a policy of redistribution of wealth for the benefit of the least fortunate.

In addition, Morocco continues to demonstrate strong commitments in the fight against the pandemic. The announcement of a timely and historic public-private partnership has set Morocco on the path of becoming a vaccine-producing country. This is part of a global investment of nearly $500 million (R7.4 billion). The Kingdom’s production capacity is estimated to be more than five-million vaccines a month in the near future, with even more promising growth prospects in the long term.

My steadfast commitment is to see the historic solidarity between Morocco and South Africa – as once praised by Nelson Mandela – as reflecting in the future of a bilateral relation of understanding, respect, and a partnership that honours our common past as well as the interdependence of our African destinies.

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Interview with Ambassador to South Africa Youssef Amrani

In an interview with Morocco Telegraph, Moroccan diplomat and politician, Youssef Amrani, Moroccan Ambassador to South Africa, expressed his views regarding the bilateral relations between Morocco and South Africa as well as Morocco ‘s diplomatic efforts in Africa. The interview transcript is as follows:

– Morocco and South Africa are two of the African continent’s most advanced countries. To what extent have the countries capitalized on economic opportunities in order to achieve the desired growth?

Let me tell you first that, our two countries agreed, at highest level, to reinforce and develop their relations trough a renewed Partnership. By building closer and stronger ties we actually participate in building up a prosperous, secure and forward looking Africa.

On the economic level, Morocco and south Africa have shared some big success stories in the recent years. Saham and Sanlam, Aredei Capital and so on, … Two months ago, Casablanca Finance City Authority (CFCA) and the South African Agency Wesgro signed a memorandum of understanding to promote investment opportunities in Morocco and South Africa. Morocco’s regional Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and services of the Souss-Massa region signed an MoU with South Africa’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Cape Province. These new instruments pave the way for the establishment of a support platform for companies in their respective investment projects, whether in South Africa or in Morocco.
But of course, this is not enough. We have to push this dynamic even further to create more value for our people and our young generation. This is what matters the most. I think that the most appropriate way to do this is by enhancing inter-African trade and investment through appropriate tools like the African continental free-trade area (Afcfta). The creation of the Afcfta marks the beginning of a broader collective plan and a new model of supportive, efficient and inclusive co-development in the service of African countries.
Let us not forget that Morocco and South Africa have been, alternately during the last years, the largest investors in the continent and the largest in their respective regions. As so, they are called upon to play major roles in the African integration process. On the other hand, Morocco and South Africa are among the very few African countries that currently have the tools and the know how to efficiently address the needs of the African continent in Covid vaccines and medical equipment.
Therefore, we must look beyond the economic dimension of the bilateral cooperation and work internally, by our own means, to review realities that are now obsolete. More than ever, policies of solidarity are needed as we should aim further to common and shared objectives like peace restoration, strengthening democracy, strong economic growth, in order to enhance States’ resilience and promote inclusive, sustainable development for the benefit of the African continent.
This is the Vision of His Majesty the King for the Africa We Want, a continent that takes responsibility for its own destiny through a renewed commitment, that puts human development at the heart of its priorities, in order to achieve Peace and Prosperity.
I believe that by working together, Morocco and South Africa can increase trade and investment and promote economic and human development projects throughout the continent, as means of promoting stability and security for the African people. Overall, we have to turn the pages of ideological positions and work together to overcome our differences and build-up a common future based on shared prosperity and values.
– As one of the most prominent pillars of Moroccan diplomacy, how do you see the dynamism of the Moroccan Sahara issue particularly through the expanding circle of States that recognize national sovereignty, as well as the number of consulates opened? 

Let me remind you that the UN has defined clear parameters for the way forward in the search for a durable solution to this regional dispute over the Sahara. The language of the UN, and therefore that of international legality, advocates for a political solution that is realistic, pragmatic, sustainable and based on compromise.
All these parameters are fully reflected in the autonomy plan presented by Morocco in 2007. Since 2007, all the Resolutions of the UN Security Council have supported the Moroccan approach by underlining the pre-eminence of its initiative, its seriousness and its credibility. As a matter of fact, the autonomy plan is the one and only way forward for a final solution to this regional dispute, namely autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.
This plan is a “win-win” solution that represents a realistic and pragmatic way to put an end to this dispute in full consistency with the guidelines of the Security Council. It brings hope for a better future for the people of the region, puts an end to separation and promotes reconciliation. It is the only solution that satisfies the parameters laid out in Security Council resolutions: A realistic, practicable, and enduring political solution that rests on compromise.
This wording used by the Security Council is not fortuitous. It is a direct call to the other parties to move forward in this negotiation process, involving all the relevant stakeholders, in order to put an end to the deadlock that has lasted long enough. The cost of this lack of will to find a final solution to this issue is too high, for the people of the region as well as for the UN efforts.
As you rightly mention in your question, we acknowledge every day a greater number of countries around the globe that are no longer taking half measures to formally recognize the full and complete sovereignty of Morocco over its Saharan provinces. The opening of more than 20 consulates general of brotherly and friendly countries in Dakhla and Laayoune, the American proclamation and many other diplomatic breakthroughs reflect the same conviction that Morocco’s legitimacy is undeniable and its sovereignty over the Sahara non-negotiable.
Moreover, Morocco has a just cause, a long-term vision and a legitimate ambition. For the past decades, the economic and social development of the Sahara has been a priority for Morocco. In its Saharan provinces, as elsewhere throughout its national territory, the Kingdom has never ceased to promote the interests of its citizens.
The resulting benefits of this approach are outstanding. By creating added value and massively investing in the future of the region, Morocco has created a momentum for prosperity and development not only in the Southern Provinces but rather throughout the national territory, and for the benefit of all Moroccan citizens from Tangier to Lagouira.
– How do you assess Morocco’s position on the continent since its re-accession to the African Union, which has created the opportunity for the establishment and strengthening of various initiatives led by King Mohammed VI on the continent?

Morocco’s return to the AU is the result of a proactive and sustained policy of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and a Royal Vision in favour of a South-South cooperation development and a win-win partnership. It is a return to normal, to our natural place.

Africa forms an integral part of Morocco’s identity. Morocco is African, by its geography, as well as by its history. Human, economic and religious ties have always been strong between the Kingdom and the continent it belongs to.

On top of that and since its independence, Morocco has always been putting Africa in the heart of its strategic choices. We remember proudly that, since the 60’s and shortly after its independence, Morocco actively supported African independence movements and their emblematic leaders from Patrice Lumumba to Nelson Mandela, providing them with diplomatic support as well as military assistance in order to defeat colonialism and help the continent achieve peace.

Morocco is a founding member of the OAU. It was the Casablanca conference, in 1961, that brought together the most charismatic leaders of the newly independent African countries gathered around the Father of the Moroccan independence Mohammed V, and led to the birth of the pan Africanism and the Organization of the African Unity.

In 1984, the Kingdom withdrew, for a while, but never left Africa. Morocco did not wait for its return to the AU to invest in social-economic development with the African countries. The Moroccan multidimensional offer is singular and unique based on a global, integrated and inclusive approach that takes into consideration promoting peace and stability, sustainable human development and cultural and spiritual identity.

The spirit of fraternity, solidarity and humanism prevails in our foreign policy. HM King Mohammed VI’s initiative to support and work together with more than 15 African sisterly nations in their national efforts and endeavours to fight the Covid pandemic, confirms yet again, Morocco’s commitment for a united, strong and resilient Africa.

Today Morocco spares no efforts to contribute in building up an emergent strong, independent and confident continent. Integration, stability and prosperity are at the heart of our priorities. Morocco deeply believes that Africa’s future must rely on common ownership and dialogue and unequivocal support for the priorities of an African youth in search of prosperity and opportunities.

Nevertheless, one has to understand that African unity is a moving target. We have to constantly adapt our self to the requirement of goal oriented policies. It is not always an easy task to find common grounds as Africa is a very diverse continent. The AU must provide the space that unites ambitions and pulls strategies. Its role is crucial to express a continental vision that breaks with past approaches.

The Kingdom’s return to the African Union, its institutional family, is therefore that of a deep and unequivocal desire to bring strength and contribution to the building of an emancipated Africa.

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