The organization of the presidential elections in Mali, the announcement of preliminary results and the call by the presidential candidate Soumaïla Cissé for the constitutional court: the Moroccan ambassador to Mali, Hassan Naciri, who was present at the presidential election before he went to his country, to the telephone at Le Républicain, said his impressions on topical issues, the cooperation between Mali and Morocco and the contribution of his country to stabilization in Mali. It specifies Morocco's expectations for the next mandate and casts a corner of sailing on the principle of a visit from His Majesty King Mohammed VI in Mali. Exclusive interview!
The Republican: – What do you see as an ambassador of a friendly country about the organization of the presidential elections in Mali?
Frankly, I am very pleased that this large election has been held to date, especially since it took place in a particularly challenging context.
It is fair to say that holding these elections is part of the consolidation of democratic practice in this fraternal country.
As a reminder, a few months ago many doubts were voiced about Mali's ability to keep his promises in this area. National and foreign observers have drawn attention to the security problems in some parts of Mali, which would have prevented them from holding these elections.
By holding this election, the Malian state took on a series of limitations and overcame several challenges.
We note that since the arrival of the electoral democracy in Mali in 1991, the country has suffered hardships that have not extinguished the flame of the mobilization of the vital forces of the nation in favor of consecration and consolidation of the rule of law.
- And the election results?
On this issue it is clear that the Constitutional Court is the most competent authority to judge the results obtained. Moreover, my country has state relations with Mali based on mutual respect, which clearly means that respect is due to the institutions of the Republic.
We have taken note of the preliminary results announced by the competent Malian authority in accordance with the Constitution and the electoral law. We await the Constitutional Court ruling on the matter, taking into account the appeals that have been lodged.
- What do you think of these remedies?
The most important thing is of course what the Constitutional Court thinks.
I think that the Malinese opposition, who has registered and has always claimed a republican and democratic approach, will use the legal means to allow his constitutional rights to prevail.
The concerns of all Malians, and especially opposition leaders, among which there are actors in this democracy, are undoubtedly from the crisis for the stability of Mali. I have no doubt, I am fully convinced that the Malian (power, opposition, civil society) will overcome the difficulties of the moment.
– Morocco is one of the countries called for in the solution of the multidimensional crisis in Mali, the effects of which are constantly being felt, to what extent can your country contribute to the relaxation of the current crisis?
Morocco has always been and is on the side of this brotherland. And as you know in this type of arbitration, the consent of the parties and their formal requirements are of the utmost importance. If this is the case, Morocco will be positive about it and will not make any effort to guide Mali on the path of political stabilization. In this context, we must remember the multidimensional crisis of 2012 in which Morocco mobilized its diplomacy in international fora, in particular the UN, to approve the most relevant resolutions of the Security Council on ending the crisis in Mali. .
It should be noted that the position of Morocco was an apolitical and principled position with respect to a state with which it has a long historical relationship.
It is also the place to remember that the Moroccan operators suffered heavy losses in the north of Mali during the 2012 crisis, but they have tried to stay there and contribute to the normalization phase of national life in Mali. .
Moreover, Morocco has always provided Mali with support for human development, as demonstrated by the capacity building efforts.
– How do you assess the state of bilateral cooperation? And which perspectives?
Based on the principle of comparative advantage and win-win partnership, bilateral cooperation between Morocco and Mali is progressing well and has a bright future. As such, it is worth remembering the efforts made in the training of imams whose quota is highest in the region and the world with 500 Malian imams to be trained in Morocco in the context of sharing the Moroccan experience in the fight against all forms of obscurantism and religious fanaticism.
Morocco also invests in training for capacity building and management. In this connection, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, during his last visit to Mali, decided in 2014 to offer the Malians a free, fully equipped vocational training center, which has been completed. In the same socio-economic context, His Majesty the King has offered a hypermodern third-generation Perinatal Clinic.
In the latest development of bilateral cooperation, we notice that the number of scholarships awarded in Mali has been increased by 50% this year from 100 to 150 scholarships for universities, apart from the study and training stays offered throughout the year. years and affect different civil and military domains.
As a reminder, the two visits of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to Mali in 2013 and 2014 contributed to the reconstruction of these relations by signing 17 agreements and conventions on various aspects of sectoral cooperation, including capacity building and partnership in line with mutual expectations .
Several other agreements were signed during the course of this year, including those on military cooperation, thanks to the visit of his Prime Minister, Prime Minister, accompanied by a strong ministerial delegation.
In the same spirit, both sides had to deepen exchanges on political and diplomatic issues of bilateral and regional importance on the occasion of the visit to Morocco by the head of Malian diplomacy.
In my capacity as ambassador of His Majesty the King of Morocco to Mali, I take this opportunity to repeat my full willingness to continue indefatigably with the execution of the High Indications of His Majesty King Mohammed VI on the effect of to raise our bilateral relations to the level of expectations of the brothers and friends of the two people.
- Bilateral, what are the expectations of Morocco for the next mandate?
Morocco is fully prepared to work closely with Mali to deepen our bilateral relations at all levels. This is made possible thanks to the common will of our two countries and the legal arsenal that governs our relations.
I can confidently say that our two countries will be able to accelerate their cooperation by taking advantage of the results.
The prospects are open within the framework of regional and continental cooperation, in particular those of the African Union and ECOWAS. I take this opportunity to welcome the dynamism of Malian diplomacy on the African and world stage, which is likely to strengthen the strategic dialogue between the two countries.
– The last two royal visits were lived in Mali as exceptional events and very symbolic. When will we have the privilege of seeing His Majesty King Mohammed VI in Mali especially that echoes have reported a visit that was canceled in 2017?
I want to remind you that the participation of His Majesty the King in the inauguration of His Excellency Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was never seen in the annals of the Moroccan monarchy in 2013, because it is the first time that a Moroccan sovereign participates in an inauguration ceremony. It was in fact an expression of deep respect and clear faith in this country and as a consequence it was a message to the world to say that Mali has become habitable again and deserves the guidance of all.
This royal participation in the inauguration of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was followed by an official visit focused on bilateral cooperation.
Back to the information about the cancellation of the Royal visit, I want to say that this is not a cancellation but rather a postponement in connection with the Royal Agenda. His Majesty King Mohammed VI has a special affection for Mali and Malians and in Chaa Allah, we will all have the privilege of welcoming our Sovereign, the descendant of the Prophet, to this blessed land of brotherly Mali.
Interviewed by B. Daou
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