“The recent royal speech received significant attention from various parties, and today, voices are rising to praise its content and call for the need to respond to its directives. However, as we’ve seen time and again, when the time comes to implement these directives on the ground, excuses and disengagement start to emerge, claiming that the speech is now part of the past and that the context has changed. Will this speech suffer the same fate as the others, or will we witness real change this time in terms of implementation and initiative? Will promises be turned into concrete actions that serve national interests and help resolve major issues?”
In-depth Analysis of Abdellah Boussouf’s Article on the Legitimacy of the Moroccan Sahara
In his article titled “A Speech to Clarify the Legitimacy of the Moroccan Sahara,” Dr. Abdellah Boussouf sheds light on King Mohammed VI’s speech during the opening of the new legislative year in 2024, providing a comprehensive view of the progress regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue on both domestic and international fronts. However, despite the clarity and strength of the royal speech in addressing political and media challenges, some questions arise regarding the effectiveness of Moroccan institutions, including the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME), led by Boussouf himself.
The Length of Boussouf’s Tenure at the CCME
For many years, Abdellah Boussouf has been leading the CCME, an institution that plays a vital role in communicating with Moroccans living abroad and defending major national causes. But the question here is: how long has Boussouf held this position? And has his leadership been effective enough in strengthening the role of the Moroccan diaspora in defending the Sahara issue and other national causes?
Effectiveness of Programs and Activities for the Diaspora
One point worth pausing on is the effectiveness of the activities and training programs organized by the council to strengthen the role of Moroccans living abroad in defending national causes. Despite the large budget allocated to the CCME, it is worth asking: how many training programs or initiatives have been organized to raise awareness among the diaspora and train them to confront political and media challenges, such as those surrounding the Moroccan Sahara issue? And was this budget invested effectively in achieving these goals?
Challenges Facing the Sahara Issue
In his article, Boussouf highlights the challenges facing the Moroccan Sahara issue, especially in the face of deceptive media and propaganda orchestrated by some rights organizations in Europe and Africa. He also points out that the Algerian regime relies on buying positions and distorting facts to support the “Polisario” and attempt to drag Morocco into a side conflict. Yet, despite these attempts, Boussouf reaffirms that Morocco’s historical, geographical, and social rights to the Sahara remain solid.
The Role of the Royal Speech in Defining the Stakes
King Mohammed VI’s speech at the opening of the legislative year marked a turning point in the defense of the Sahara issue. By emphasizing the advancement of large-scale development projects in the southern provinces, increasing international investments, and especially international recognition, notably American, of the autonomy initiative, the speech solidified the legitimacy of the Moroccan Sahara on the international stage. But what role can the Moroccan diaspora play in this new dynamic? And are institutions doing enough to strengthen this direction?
Moving from Reaction to Initiative
One of the key points raised by Boussouf is the need to move from reaction to proactive initiative in defending the Sahara issue. It is no longer sufficient to wait for media and political attacks to respond to them. It is crucial to take the lead in clarifying facts and convincing the international community of the legitimacy of Morocco’s stance. Here, Moroccan diplomacy plays a crucial role, especially through key figures like Ambassador Omar Hilale, who has played a major role in thwarting conspiracies against Morocco.
Questions for Discussion:
- How long has Abdellah Boussouf led the CCME, and has his tenure been productive enough to enhance the diaspora’s role in defending national causes?
- How many activities and training sessions has the council organized to prepare Moroccans living abroad to defend the Sahara issue? Has the council’s substantial budget been effectively used for these efforts?
- How can the Moroccan diaspora abroad play a more active role in promoting the legitimacy of the Moroccan Sahara and combating misleading propaganda?
Answering these questions can help determine the effectiveness of Moroccan institutions in defending national interests, especially in light of current challenges.
