“This form of decentralization is not a simple arrangement or territorial division, but it reflects the determination of the Kingdom to benefit from the momentum of the modernization of States at the global level as well as the desire to amplify its sustainable development at through the mobilization of local synergies”, noted Mr. El Khattat Yenja who spoke as part of the first Forum of African Regions (FORAF).
Speaking during a panel under the theme “Regional governments and territorial competitiveness”, the president of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region noted that Morocco, “since its accession to independence, has put in place different approaches and strategies to face development challenges through inclusive and coherent advanced regionalization.
“The Kingdom aspires to harmonious economic development in all its regions,” he continued, adding that the regionalization desired by Morocco aims to strengthen the democratic process through the establishment of local democracy and assurance local management including local stakeholders in the autonomous management of their affairs, while taking into account their specificities, the socio-economic potential and assets of their region.
In this sense, he called on the regions to rethink their economic paradigm and to innovate so that they can establish themselves as competitiveness poles.
“The performance of the Development Plan for the provinces of southern Morocco in general and that of the regions of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab in particular, lies in the multidimensional dynamic which is infused into it, from the top of the State to to citizens, through local authorities and civil society,” he maintained.
Furthermore, the efforts made by the authorities have made it possible to transform and improve the lives of the inhabitants of the Moroccan Sahara thanks, among other things, to good management of water resources and better water distribution, welcomed Mr. . El Khattat Yenja, noting that the Kingdom is developing its Sahara with the participation and inclusion of all components of the local population.
Organized under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, from September 8 to 10, around the theme “The contribution of regional authorities to sustainable development and the integration dynamic of Africa”, FORAF aims to contribute to the emergence of an Africa that is structurally reformed, socially united, economically strong, culturally radiant, environmentally healthy, and globally respected.
FORAF also aims to be a permanent platform within the UCLG Africa organization for the defense of the contribution of regional governments to the development and integration of Africa, and the strengthening of their capacity to effectively fulfill their mandates with competence. at the service of the population.