Moroccan Autonomy Plan Emphasized in Verona
In a significant gathering held in Verona, Italy, officials and scholars from Italy and Morocco underscored the critical importance of the autonomy plan put forth by Rabat regarding the Moroccan Sahara. This initiative is not merely a political proposal; rather, it is positioned as a comprehensive framework that aims to bolster regional stability in a Sahel-Saharan context fraught with security challenges. The meeting, themed 'Autonomy and Regionalised Governance: Cross Perspectives on the Italian Experience and the Moroccan Perspective,' focused on the institutional and regional dimensions of Morocco's initiative, especially in light of the ongoing security issues affecting the Sahel-Saharan region.
During this event, participants unanimously recognized the autonomy plan introduced by Morocco in 2007 as 'the only pragmatic framework' capable of paving the way for a sustainable political resolution while simultaneously strengthening regional stability. Numerous attendees drew parallels between Morocco's approach and various Italian experiences concerning regional autonomy, highlighting the universal relevance of such governance models.
Insights from Italian Officials and Academics
Italian Senator Luigi Spagnolli, who represents the Trentino-Alto Adige region, referenced the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, which was adopted on October 31, 2025, affirming Morocco's autonomy initiative as the foundation for the ongoing political dialogue under UN auspices. He further pointed to the preamble of the Moroccan Constitution, which emphasizes the country's 'plural identity' and the rich diversity of its cultural and historical elements, asserting that this plurality serves as a cornerstone for national cohesion.
Additionally, Italian political scientist Marco Baratto articulated that the autonomy framework under Moroccan sovereignty represents 'a sustainable political perspective' that effectively links institutional dynamics with investments in the southern provinces of Morocco. He drew a comparison between this plan and the Special Status granted to Sicily in 1946, positioning both as models that support national unity and promote regional stability. This view was echoed by Professor Yasmine El Hassnaoui, a specialist in International Relations, who posited that the autonomy plan harmonizes 'unity and diversity, sovereignty and self-governance.' She further highlighted the significant investments made in the southern regions, particularly in infrastructure, renewable energy, transportation, and logistics, as evidence of the plan's potential to foster development.
This important meeting attracted various Italian regional officials and members of the Moroccan community residing in Italy, reflecting a collaborative effort to address the complexities surrounding the Moroccan Sahara issue while promoting regional stability through the lens of autonomy.
As reported by newsghana.com.gh.
