Moroccan parliament strengthens role in Sahara issue through national symposium

A national symposium titled "The Moroccan Parliament and the Moroccan Sahara Issue: Towards Effective Parallel Diplomacy and Institutional Advocacy" was launched on Monday at the headquarters of the House of Councillors in Rabat.

This event is part of the agenda set by the temporary thematic working group on the Kingdom’s territorial integrity, created under the House’s internal regulations. The program features various initiatives such as hearings, internal workshops, analysis of academic and institutional contributions, and the review of an extensive documentary archive related to the Moroccan Sahara.

According to the organizers, the symposium is taking place at a crucial moment in the evolution of the Sahara issue, where swift international shifts converge with Morocco’s proactive national strategy, particularly the diplomatic efforts led by the King. This calls for an enhanced role for the legislative body and the engagement of intellectual and political leaders in shaping strategic visions and effective plans to reinforce national efforts and promote collective responsibility on this central national matter.

The symposium aims to align with political, diplomatic, and development changes in the southern regions, while also contributing to a participatory national outlook. This approach strengthens the House of Councillors’ role in institutional advocacy and reinforces parliamentary diplomacy as a vital support to official action and an instrument to elevate Morocco’s regional and global standing.

The agenda includes an opening session with addresses from political parties, followed by two thematic sessions. The first focuses on the Sahara issue within the framework of the United Nations, examining current developments and the prospects for a lasting resolution. The second explores developmental and human rights perspectives on the matter.

The event will conclude with a comprehensive report outlining the findings and recommendations based on the deliberations, with contributions from politicians, scholars, civil society members, and experts recognized for their in-depth knowledge of Morocco’s territorial integrity.