“Aware that the purely military approach has demonstrated its limits in resolving political tensions and conflicts in Africa, Morocco takes this opportunity to recall that the success of any peacebuilding effort requires the inclusion of socio-economic activities and the adoption of holistic and multidimensional approaches to address the root causes that hinder the emergence of sustainable development in Africa,” underlined the Moroccan delegation during a meeting of the AU PSC on “the link between peace, security and development: follow-up to the Tangier Conference”.
During this meeting held by videoconference and chaired by the Ambassador Permanent Representative of the Kingdom to the AU and the UNECA, Mohamed Arrouchi, the Moroccan delegation recalled that Morocco organized in October 2022 the 1st Political Conference of the AU on promoting the link between peace, security and development which was sanctioned by the “Tangier Declaration” which was unanimously approved by the Member States of the PSC, and by the 36th AU Summit , while institutionalizing the “Tangier Process” as a regular event on the Nexus: peace, security and development.
With the participation of PSC Member States, policy makers, practitioners and experts, this AU conference enabled a fruitful multi-stakeholder debate to be initiated in response to the growing challenges facing economies and societies. African countries, and which weigh heavily on the security and stability of the continent, indicated the Moroccan delegation.
The delegation underlined in this context that the AU Political Conference on promoting the link between peace, security and development in Tangier constitutes an important event promoting reflection and resolution of the challenges of peace, security and development in Africa, and that its recommendations provide a roadmap for future actions on these crucial issues.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Conflict Resolution Expert Dr. Amina El-Mansouri
Time.news Editor: Good day, Dr. El-Mansouri. Thank you for joining us. The recent discussions surrounding Morocco’s stance on conflict resolution in Africa have sparked a lot of interest. Morocco has emphasized a shift from a purely military approach to a more holistic and socio-economic framework. What are your thoughts on this shift?
Dr. Amina El-Mansouri: Thank you for having me. I believe this shift is crucial and indicates a growing recognition of the limitations of military interventions. In many African nations, conflicts are deeply rooted in socio-economic issues such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to resources. By addressing these underlying causes, Morocco is paving the way for more sustainable and lasting peace.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating. Could you elaborate on what you mean by a “holistic and multidimensional approach”? What would that look like in practice?
Dr. Amina El-Mansouri: Certainly. A holistic approach would incorporate not just security measures but also economic development programs, education initiatives, and community engagement. For instance, conflict-affected regions could benefit from investment in infrastructure, job creation, and educational opportunities. Additionally, fostering dialogue between conflicting parties and involving local communities in peacebuilding initiatives ensures that solutions are context-specific and culturally sensitive.
Time.news Editor: Morocco’s emphasis on socio-economic activities suggests there is a need for cooperation between various stakeholders. How important is collaboration between governments, NGOs, and local communities in achieving this?
Dr. Amina El-Mansouri: Collaboration is absolutely essential. No single entity can solve these complex issues alone. Governments need to work alongside NGOs that have on-the-ground expertise and the trust of local communities. Moreover, including community voices in the decision-making process not only promotes ownership of peace initiatives but also enhances their effectiveness. Emphasizing dialogue and cooperation can build a stronger foundation for peace.
Time.news Editor: The article also suggests that military solutions have shown their limits. Can you provide examples of situations in Africa where reliance on military strategies may have backfired?
Dr. Amina El-Mansouri: There are several examples. For instance, in countries like Somalia and Libya, military interventions initially aimed at restoring order often led to further fragmentation and instability. In both cases, military solutions did not address the socio-political factors that led to conflict in the first place. In contrast, regions that have focused on dialogue and socio-economic development, like Rwanda post-genocide, have seen significant improvements in stability and growth.
Time.news Editor: That’s a compelling point. As we look to the future, how can Morocco’s approach influence other nations on the continent? Is there potential for it to serve as a model?
Dr. Amina El-Mansouri: Absolutely. Morocco’s approach could be a beacon for other nations struggling with conflict. By prioritizing socio-economic factors and recognizing the need for multifaceted strategies, Morocco sets a precedent that encourages other countries to rethink their methodologies. It’s about fostering a culture of peace that goes beyond the immediate cessation of violence to address the grievances that fuel conflict.
Time.news Editor: Dr. El-Mansouri, thank you for your insights today. It’s clear that a shift towards holistic peacebuilding efforts is not only wise but necessary for lasting resolutions in Africa. We appreciate your time and expertise.
Dr. Amina El-Mansouri: Thank you for having me. I hope these conversations continue to gain momentum, as they are vital for the future of peace in Africa.