AU-PSC: Morocco pleads for a solution in DRC through dialogue, reaffirms opposition to all forms of separatism

Morocco called, on Friday evening before the meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC) at the level of Heads of State and Government, for a solution through dialogue that would guarantee the territorial integrity and stability of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reaffirmed its opposition to all forms of separatism, and firmly condemned the destabilizing actions by armed groups that imperil the national unity of States.

During this meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, who is leading Morocco’s delegation as a member of the AU-PSC, stressed that the Kingdom reiterates its unwavering commitment to the respect of the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the DRC and all sovereign countries.

The official stressed the importance of this meeting in contributing to a lasting resolution of the crisis in Eastern DRC, whose repercussions are affecting the region and the entire continent.

“The persistence of this instability jeopardizes continental peace and security, threatening development efforts and regional cooperation, which requires us all to act with determination and responsibility to initiate a process for a peaceful, lasting and sustainable settlement to the conflict,” Bourita said.

He added that in any crisis resolution process, Morocco advocates, as it has always done, full respect by all parties for the principles of coexistence, neighborliness, and the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and negotiation.

Morocco also reaffirms its opposition to all forms of separatism and firmly condemns the destabilizing actions by armed groups that imperil the national unity of States, the Minister added.

In this respect, the Moroccan delegation stresses the imperative of engaging in a process of constructive and sincere dialogue, the only viable way to prevent further escalation and promote peace and stability in the country and the sub-region, Bourita said, adding that the Kingdom’s priority remains the immediate cessation of hostilities, respect for the ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations.

Convinced that only a consensual political solution could put an end to this crisis, Morocco remains certain that any security or military approach would only aggravate the situation and distance the prospects of a lasting reconciliation between the concerned parties, the minister added, stressing that in the short term, it is urgent to end the suffering of civil population suffering, resulting from this crisis, by facilitating humanitarian access in order to meet the most pressing needs of those affected.

Humanitarian aid must be delivered without hindrance, while guaranteeing the protection of the population, Bourita said, adding that the international community and regional stakeholders must join forces to alleviate suffering and restore hope in this hard-hit region.

He added that the Kingdom would like to express its sincere congratulations and pay a vibrant tribute to the President of Angola and African Union Champion for Peace and Reconciliation in Africa, João Lourenço.

“We salute his role and his tireless efforts to engage the parties concerned in order to bring them back to the negotiating table and avoid any form of escalation likely to compromise mediation efforts for peace and stability in the region,” Bourita reiterated.

During the meeting that also discussed the situation in Sudan, Morocco expressed firm opposition to a military solution to the Sudanese crisis as such a solution cannot be viable.

Bourita reiterated Morocco’s full solidarity with Sudan during these difficult times and willingness to provide any necessary support to help the country overcome this crisis.

The Kingdom also reiterates its call to support efforts for reconciliation between the Sudanese parties, to prioritize dialogue, preserve national institutions, and avoid any external interference that would only worsen tensions and jeopardize stability in the region, the minister stressed.

The Moroccan delegation also recommended observing a humanitarian truce during the holy month of Ramadan to allow unrestricted and non-discriminatory access to humanitarian aid. The proposal was unanimously accepted by the Heads of State and Government at this AU-PSC meeting.

The meeting on the situation in DRC and Sudan was held on the sidelines of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, convened February 15-16.