A number of civil society organizations concerned with the affairs of the Moroccan diaspora abroad have praised and responded positively to the royal speech delivered on the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the Green March. A joint statement issued on December 15, 2024, by the “Democratic Civil Council for Moroccan Migration,” the “Democratic Coordination for the Moroccan Diaspora,” and the “Communication Forum for Moroccans Abroad” highlighted the importance of the new phase outlined by King Mohammed VI, especially regarding the restructuring of institutions responsible for managing the affairs of the Moroccan expatriate community.
The signing organizations expressed their deep appreciation for the royal initiative aimed at improving the performance of the institutions concerned with the Moroccan diaspora, ensuring their alignment with the aspirations and needs of Moroccans living abroad. The statement emphasized the importance of transitioning to a new model of governance, based on clear responsibilities and ensuring coordination among various stakeholders, free from the fragmentation and overlap that has long plagued this sector.
The organizations called for enabling Moroccans abroad to exercise their political rights based on the principle of equality and full citizenship, as enshrined in the Kingdom’s constitution. They argued that this empowerment is a necessary step towards enhancing democratic participation and ensuring justice for all citizens, regardless of their place of residence.
The statement also addressed the urgent need to implement the principle of accountability to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the institutions and structures responsible for the diaspora. It stressed the necessity of involving credible civil society organizations and associations in the formulation and implementation of regulatory laws related to the restructuring of relevant institutions.
The signatories proposed specific conditions to strengthen the credibility of the diaspora’s representative bodies, including:
Commitment to transparency in administration and regular accountability.
Provision of documented records of activities benefiting the diaspora.
Preparation of audited financial reports reflecting funding sources and expenditure.
Ensuring diversity in the diaspora, in terms of geography and gender.
The statement concluded by affirming that the inclusion of Moroccans abroad in the political system is not only an acknowledgment of their vital role but also a step toward strengthening their national identity and contribution to the formulation of public policies that reflect their concerns and aspirations. The signatories presented innovative proposals to ensure this inclusion, such as creating electoral districts outside the country or adopting a representation system based on consular divisions and the diaspora’s population density in host countries.
The statement ended by emphasizing the need to establish a new contract between the state and the Moroccan diaspora, based on transparency, integrity, and respect for diversity. It underscored the importance of involving civil society to guarantee the independence of representation and the legitimacy of decisions, which would reflect a positive image of Morocco and strengthen its role as a bridge for communication with the world.
source : fesnews media