Morocco jabs AU Chair over readmission frustrations

Morocco’s foreign ministry has accused the the African Union (AU) commission chairperson, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of frustrating its attempt at readmission.

“The kingdom of Morocco denounces vigorously the manoeuvres of African Union commission head, who is trying to thwart Morocco’s decision to regain its natural and legitimate place in the pan-African institutional family,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“At least 36 of the 54 AU member countries do not acknowledge the territory as a separate state and it is time to withdraw its recognition,” it added.

SUGGESTED READING Morocco officially applies to rejoin the AU after 32 years in isolation

The north African country expressed the desire to rejoin the organisation, 32 years after it left. They officially presented a request in September to retake membership of the body.

Morocco revoked its membership in 1984 when the AU recognised Western Sahara as an independent state, and admitted it as a member. Morocco has insited that Western Sahara is part of its territory.

Dlamini-Zuma, who is the outgoing head of the AU accepted to stay on in the post after heads of state failed to elect a new chairperson during the recent summit in Kigali. The AU is however in the process of heading to a special meeting in January to choose her sucessor among five candidates.