Analysts say integration in Africa depends on regional integration

ASILAH - Morocco’s Minister chargé de mission in the Royal Cabinet Youssef Amrani warned that Africa cannot move forward without a sound regional integration.

International experts and politicians flocked to the northern town of Asilah to debate integration in Africa during the Asilah Forum Foundation’s symposium themed “The issue of integration and complementarity in Africa”.

“We can’t go farther without regional integration,” said Amrani, warning that several challenges were remaining on the social, cultural, political, economic and security levels.

The former deputy foreign minister expressed his regrets at the idle Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) which is not evolving because of the political crisis between Morocco and Algeria over the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

“The Maghreb is in a breakdown … it is a waste because it doesn’t allow us to advance in order to create an economic growth,” he said.

He cited three fundamental elements for a regional integration. The first element was the political will without which, he said, African cannot move forward.

He called for the building of democratic states in Africa in order to embark on serious reforms that would allow the continent to prosper.

The second element was security in the conflict-hit continent. Amrani said that a military solution to combat terror groups in Africa was not enough. He called for a coherent economic approach to help eradicate terrorism.

The third element was the coherence and convergence of common sectorial politics. Amrani also emphasised King Mohammed VI’s political vision to build an integrated Africa.

He concluded that the civil society and private sector were key to a successful integration.

Ángel Losada Fernandez, a European representative in the Sahel, said that the security in the Sahel region was posing a threat to Africa’s integration.

“Security in Europe depends on the security of Africa which in turn depends on the security of the Sahel,” said Fernandez.

He warned that they were facing huge challenges in the Sahel which could only be overcome integration and partnership between Europe and Africa,

The EU diplomat listed five core principles to achieve a solid integration: governance, security and development, complementarity, coordination and a real partnership.

Ali Bahaijoub, director of the Centre for Euro-Mediterranean and African Studies, raised several issues that were hampering integration in Africa.

He questioned the fact that there 34 US military bases in the continent, including the drone base in Niger.

He pointed out that integration was impossible to achieve while corrupt leaders were still ruling. Bahaijoub asked whether the paralysis of AMU reflected the state of politics in Africa.