Niamey – Morocco’s approach to address security and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel region is based on the indivisible triad of “security, human development and training,” said Saturday in Niamey, Minister Delegate in charge of Moroccans abroad, Nezha El Ouafi.
The Moroccan approach to address security and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel is based on a vision defined by HM King Mohammed VI and which is built around the indivisible triad of security, human development and training, she said during a brainstorming session held part of the 47th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Regarding security, El Ouafi said that a multidimensional approach (military, security, political, socio-economic and cultural) must be adopted to combat violence, extremism and terrorism, deeming it an essential condition for establishing peace and stability in the region.
As for human development, it is necessary to combine the prerequisites of economic security and social stability within the framework of unity and national reconciliation because it is the key to the sustainability of the fight against terrorism, she underlined during this event held under the theme “Security and humanitarian challenges facing the Sahel countries, members of the OIC.”
As for training, the official highlighted the need to promote an authentic, tolerant and balanced Islam. Morocco aspires to achieve this goal through the Mohammed VI Institute for the training of Imams, Morchidines and Morchidates, she said.
For Morocco, fighting security and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel countries requires stronger cooperation and international coordination with UN bodies and regional organizations operating in this area, the official explained.
It is also necessary to support the implementation of the Security and Development Strategy of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (2015-2050).
For the minister delegate, developing a common policy on border security is also a must in order to implement and promote a secure environment capable of hosting economic and development projects and of encouraging foreign investment.
On the humanitarian and economic levels, Morocco believes in the importance of supporting social and solidarity-based income-generating economy to create local wealth and stem the impacts of immigration, terrorism, and drug trafficking.
There is also a need to support agriculture and fisheries, two promising sectors for employment, as part of a far-sighted vision for the future of food security in Sahel countries, El Ouafi said.
Morocco advocates the use of financing from monetary and specialized institutions, within the framework of programs focused on development, she concluded.
The 47th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC wrapped up on Saturday in Niamey. The two-day session was held on the theme “United against Terrorism for Peace and Development”.
In addition to the Palestinian cause, the fight against violence, extremism and terrorism and Islamophobia, the Council discussed the situation of Muslim minorities and communities in non-member states, fundraising for the Rohingya case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as well as the promotion of dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions, and other emerging matters.
