In a significant address delivered to members of Parliament during the opening of the autumn session of the new legislative year, King Mohammed VI articulated several key messages concerning migration, foremost among them being Morocco's resolute rejection of any attempts to exploit the nation on this critical issue. The King underscored Morocco's sovereignty and its unwavering commitment to the principle of shared responsibility among countries of origin, transit, and destination. This perspective was highlighted by migration experts and political analysts who emphasized the need for a reevaluation of the current migration cooperation model that Morocco engages in with various nations.
During his address on Friday evening, the Moroccan monarch expressed that the existing framework for migration cooperation, particularly with Spain, has become outdated and that recurrent crises have underscored this reality. He pointed out that the partnership with Spain has seen significant developments across various domains, including the fight against illegal migration. The King also lamented the irresponsible statements and blatant exploitation by certain political and media circles, reaffirming that partnership is a sovereign choice and a voluntary commitment that will never be subject to pressure, threats, or extortion. In this context, he announced that Morocco would provide its partners with a document outlining a clear and strategic vision aimed at establishing a new direction that enhances mutual development, economic competitiveness, and regional stability.
Shared Responsibility and Sovereignty
Abdel Fattah Al-Zine, coordinator of the African Migration and Development Network, emphasized that the King’s insistence on taking pride in Morocco's multi-ethnic identity and its rich history illustrates that the nation is fundamentally a society built on migration. In his remarks to Hespress, Al-Zine noted that this reality raises methodological questions regarding 'migration between national sovereignty and shared responsibility.' He asserted that migration laws are sovereign, allowing each country to take actions perceived as appropriate, while the adherence to international conventions cannot impose everything on a specific nation. He posed a profound question, asking whether the current international cooperation system is still capable of managing migration as a humanitarian and social developmental phenomenon or if it merely shifts the burden onto transit and receiving countries without adequately addressing the root causes.
According to Al-Zine's analysis of the King's speech, the response centers on three foundational pillars. The first relates to the acknowledgment of the limitations of the existing migration cooperation model, as evidenced by recent crises which have relied solely on a security approach and shifted the responsibility of border management onto neighboring countries instead of addressing it directly. The second pillar involves redefining partnerships, particularly since Morocco has proposed a tri-dimensional responsibility framework, indicating that migration can only be effectively addressed within a three-pronged approach encompassing source, transit, and destination countries. The third pillar connects the King's discourse on migration management with mutual development, economic competitiveness, and regional stability, reflecting the approach European nations have adopted towards Moroccan migration by promoting 'brain drain' and the talents that Morocco invests in training, and at times granting nationality through exceptional means outside the established legal frameworks.
Rejection of Political Exploitation
Furthermore, Professor Abbas El-Wardi of Mohammed V University in Rabat confirmed that King Mohammed VI has framed Morocco's relationship with Spain, especially regarding migration, by reaffirming the Kingdom's commitments and efforts in this area, all while refusing to succumb to extortion and the interpretations of various political factions or media sensationalism. El-Wardi noted that this sends a strong signal that Morocco does not engage in its migration responsibilities merely as a policeman for others but rather based on its commitments to the European system and its historical relations with Spain.
He stressed that the document Morocco intends to present to its strategic partners should convey a message to the international community, affirming Morocco's determination to remain a key player in shaping international policies on numerous issues, particularly in managing irregular migration. He added that this will outline a roadmap consisting of essential components that highlight Morocco's commitment alongside international stakeholders in resolving related crises. The political analyst reiterated Morocco's desire to reject being exploited to serve internal political agendas of other nations.
As reported by hespress.com.
