Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita called for a new approach to deal with the problems of the Sahel and Mali, in a speech during a press conference in Rabat, after his meeting with Maman Sambo Sidikou, the High Representative of the African Union in the Sahel and Mali, who is currently visiting Morocco for an indefinite period.
Bourita pointed out that “the superficial approaches to addressing the region’s problems have proven to be unsuccessful, and it is time to update this approach and make room for a more comprehensive one.”
He added that Morocco is committed to the goal of working at all levels in order to achieve stability in the region.
For his part, Maman Sambo Sidikou stressed the need to find a solution to the region with the help of Africa, adding that Mali needs all its partners, particularly the African partners.
Sidikou praised Morocco’s presence in several dimensions, such as the spiritual and cultural level, especially the training of imams from Mali and Morocco.
Several imams from African and European countries benefit from training at the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Morchids, and Morchidates.
He explained that the situation in Mali is complex, as well as the repercussions of the crisis on the entire region.
Weeks ago, French President Emmanuel Macron announced at a press conference the end of the military “Operation Barkhane” led by his country in the African Sahel region. In return, he called for the formation of an international coalition that includes the countries of the region. France now has more than 5,000 soldiers in the Sahel region of Africa.
France launched “Operation Barkhane” in Mali in 2014 with the aim of eliminating armed groups in the African Sahel and limiting their influence, and the United Nations sent 15,000 soldiers to stabilize Mali, though the security threat has not been eliminated.
