Moroccan lawyers to form new body for advocacy on the Sahara

Moroccan lawyers are set to establish a new national body dedicated to advocating for the country’s territorial integrity, specifically focusing on the Western Sahara issue. 

The announcement was made by the Association of Bar Associations of Morocco, which revealed plans to bolster an existing committee tasked with legal advocacy on the matter. 

The newly formed “National Defense Body for Parallel Diplomacy” will see Moroccan lawyers engage in a “legal advocacy approach” aimed at convincing countries that have yet to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.

Hussein Zyani, president of the Association of Bar Associations of Morocco, told Hespress Ar that the committee will begin its work in earnest next week, with its full formation scheduled for later this month. 

The body’s objectives, he explained, are to “work vigorously and with a solid knowledge base to defend the nation’s highest interests, primarily the issue of our territorial unity.”

Zyani said that the committee will engage in advocacy efforts both domestically and internationally, participating in conferences, seminars, and other forums to promote Morocco’s stance on Western Sahara. 

The committee will also be responsible for countering the narratives of those who oppose Morocco’s claims, providing evidence and arguments to support its position.

A key aspect of the committee’s work will be to collect, preserve, and disseminate documents, records, and other materials that support Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. 

These materials will be used to educate the public both domestically and internationally about the issue and to promote Morocco’s autonomy proposal for the Sahara.

Zyani further added that the formation of this committee aligns with the call made by Morocco’s King in a recent speech, highlighting the importance of parallel diplomacy. 

The president expressed his belief that the committee is a testament to the lawyers’ commitment to serving the nation and providing a strong legal foundation for Morocco’s position on the Sahara.