Morocco seeks to re-join A.U, three decades later

By Brian Yatich

The Moroccan government has re-affirmed its position in joining the African Union in a statement released by the Moroccan King Mohammed VI during the AU summit in Rwanda last week.

This comes after 32 years later when Morocco revoked its membership to the African Union, the country has since denied any involvements in the A.U until today.

This is partly because Morocco recognized Western Sahara as part of Morocco, and not a sovereign nation.
Morocco which is the only country that is not a member of the A.U sent a special envoy to rally support from the African leaders, as they began a two-day meeting in the Rwandan capital Kigali last weekend.

King Mohammad called on the bloc to reconsider its position, assuring that a political solution is being considered according to the provisions of the U.N.

The statement further reads that even when it was no longer a member of the OAU, morocco never left Africa.
The Moroccan country has pledged to contribute to making the A.U a more robust organization and strengthen its involvement in matters it feels strongly about through Agendas and constructive activities.

“Through this historic act and return, Morocco wants to work within the AU to transcend divisions.” The king said.
Morocco holds membership in two of the eight regional Economic Communities of the African Union; the Arab Maghreb Union and the Community of Shel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD).

It also has observer status in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Morocco is set to host the COP22 Climate Conference next November in a bid to defend the position of the continent which is greatly affected by climate change and sustainable development issues.

To rejoin the AU, Morocco will sign and ratify the body’s Constitutional Act, and then later a majority vote by member states will determine the country’s admission to the bloc.