UA summit: Morocco for a dialogue guaranteeing the integrity and stability of the DRC

This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:

Hibapress

Morocco pleaded on Friday evening before the meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (CPS of the AU) at the level of the heads of state and government, for a solution through the dialogue that guarantees the ‘Territorial integrity and the stability of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

During this meeting held in Addis Ababa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans residing abroad, Nasser Bourita, who leads the delegation of Morocco as a member of the UA CPS, Underlined that the kingdom reiterates its unwavering attachment to respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the DRC and all sovereign countries.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of this meeting in order to contribute to the sustainable resolution of the crisis in the east of the DRC, whose repercussions affect the region and the whole continent.

“The persistence of this instability compromises continental peace and security, jeopardizing the efforts of development and regional cooperation, which requires us to act with determination and responsibility to initiate a dynamic of peaceful, lasting and perennial and sustainable conflict, ”noted Mr. Bourita.

He also said that in any crisis solution process, Morocco pleads, as it has always done, in full respect, by all parties, to the principles of coexistence, good neighborhood and peaceful settlement of disputes, by the bias of dialogue and negotiation.

Morocco also reaffirms its opposition to any form of separatism and firmly condemns the destabilizing actions of the armed groups which jeopardize the national unity of the States, added the Minister.

In this regard, the Moroccan delegation underlines the imperative to engage in a process of constructive and sincere dialogue, the only viable path to prevent additional escalation and promote peace and stability in the country and the sub-region, insisted Mr. Bourita, noting that the priority of the kingdom remains the immediate cessation of hostilities, respect for the ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations.

Convinced that only a consensual political solution can put an end to this crisis, Morocco remains convinced that any security or military approach would only increase the situation and keep the prospect of a lasting reconciliation between the parties concerned, continued the Minister , stressing that in a short term, it is urgent to put an end to the suffering of civilian populations, resulting from this crisis, by facilitating humanitarian access in order to meet the most pressing needs of affected people.

Humanitarian aid must be transported without hindrances, guaranteeing the protection of populations, said Bourita, noting that the international community and regional actors must combine their efforts to lighten suffering and restore hope in this hard -proven region .

He also indicated that the Kingdom wishes to express its sincere congratulations and pay a vibrant tribute to the President of the Republic of Angola and champion of the African Union for Peace and Reconciliation in Africa, João Lourenço.

“We welcome his role and tireless efforts to hire the parties concerned in order to bring them back to the negotiating table and avoid any form of climbing likely to compromise mediation efforts for peace and stability of the region,” said Reaffirmed Mr. Bourita.

This meeting was held on the sidelines of the ordinary summit of the heads of state and government of the AU, scheduled for February 15 and 16.