Morocco’s Royal Initiative for Sahel’s Atlantic Access Hailed

The Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) led by Hon. John Bideri this week applauded the “visionary initiative” of His Majesty the King Mohammed VI aimed at facilitating access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean.

In a speech he made Monday on the 48th anniversary of the Green March, the King said Morocco is willing to put its road, port and rail infrastructure at the disposal of these African countries as the move is expected to bring about a fundamental transformation not only in the economies of these countries, but also in the entire region.

According to the report, the PAP Committee warmly welcomed this initiative in a press release, emphasizing that the Sovereign insists on the urgent need to address the significant deficit in infrastructure and investment in the Atlantic coast region of Africa, despite its wealth in qualified human capital and abundant natural resources.

The Pan-African legislative institution based in Johannesburg noted, “The Moroccan proposal aims to address these challenges by creating a robust institutional framework that unites the twenty-three African countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean.” It specified that the main objective of the Royal Initiative is to promote security, stability, and shared prosperity within the region.

This noble initiative will undoubtedly bring about a fundamental economic transformation within the region and accelerate the trade and connectivity of people, goods, and services, as emphasized the committee.

The Committee on Trade, Customs, and Immigration Issues of the PAP affirmed its full support for this “ambitious and inclusive vision,” which aligns with the realization of the dream of a prosperous and interconnected Africa. The commission called on leaders and stakeholders to support it as well.