Mrs Benkhadra took part to  the International Symposium on climate changes in Africa and accepted to answer to 3 questions of the the CCME’s Newsroom

1-Which concrete actions should be expected from COP22?

2-How can African countries be encouraged to meet the challenges of climate change?

3-How to mobilize the african diaspora for the issues of the african Continent ?

Watch video (French)

Africa, our continent has been living during a long time without great leaders like Mohammed V, Nelson Mandela or Jamal Abdel Nasser.

And now here is Africa receiving His Majesty Mohammed VI as a new leader full of promises for the future of African citizens. In defense of the african people in an era where Africa is about to resign, because of the impact of civil wars, climate change, mass exoduses and departures of the continent to the north to escape from thirst, hunger, violence and terrorism. 

A leader who had the confidence of the African citizens even before their own governments. Concerned during his visits in the Continent about the African development, its cities, villages and jungles. This is why the speech of the 41st anniversary of the Green March, delivered from Dakar, capital of Senegal is a historical precedent for the Kings of Morocco as it reflects friendship and brotherhood in Senegal. 

The speech from Dakar should be considered through the historical position of Senegal vis-à-vis of Morocco, the unwavering support for  just causes, including the question of the sovereignty of the Kingdom.  When Morocco left the African Union in 1984, former President Abdou Diouf had even stated that "it is not possible to imagine the organization without Morocco ...".

If the speech of the 40th anniversary last year took place in Laayoune, capital of the moroccan southern provinces, illustrates the foundations of stability, the attachment of the children to their moroccan roots  and political system, it is meant to become a center of economic cooperation connecting Morocco to its African roots.

The discourse of the Green March of 2016, for its part, was delivered from a friendly country, historically and spiritually linked to the Kingdom and considered among the democratic nations of Africa. A country that respects the constitutional institutions and the election results. Which also enjoys an exceptional political and social stability in the region and moreover it is not a country of "coups". His Excellency President Macky Sall considers the speech from Dakar as a historical event, because His Majesty the King wanted to be in Africa to talk to the Africans.

The King’s speech of November 6, 2016, was explicit and unhindered. For this reason, the African aspect can be easily assimilated. This justifies the mention of the African map, which carries several messages: Morocco is part of the Africa ;  the future is Morocco in Africa and the future of Africa in Morocco. It is in this spirit that the Kingdom targets its economic and political bound south, as part of a South-South cooperation. Hence enacting the preamble to the 2011 Moroccan Constitution "to consolidate relations cooperation and solidarity with the peoples and countries of Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa and Sahel ", which in itself is a quiet revolution that His Majesty conducted through its numerous visits to western and eastern African countries. The speech explained that the relations with these nations, were not sufficient, " not through negligence or omission, but for objective reasons such as language, geographical distance and differences in historical heritage". 

The achievements of this quiet revolution are already a reality :  partnerships with countries like Rwanda and Tanzania.

The vacancy of Morocco from the African Union since 1984 has contributed to undermine the relations of cooperation and solidarity between several African countries, and gave the opportunity to the detractors of the Kingdom’s sovereignty to embitter the relations with African countries. This inclines Morocco to rebound with the African Union and be part of its African family during  the 2016 summit in Kigali,  far away from any tactical plot, because Africa is our family  and Morocco does not need permission for it’s entry. 

Many questions come to mind regarding the correlation between climate change, migration and the Moroccan community abroad. In light of the waves of migration, what could be the link between COP22 and migratory matters?

M. Boussouf : As the organizer of the COP22, Morocco claims to be at the same level as other countries, which have the capability to host large-scale events and naturally contribute to resolving international issues. The mission of our nation during this COP will mainly be of executive nature as this conference was preceded by the COP21 during which all parties committed to adhere a process designed to protect the environment and to mitigate climate change impacts.

Consequently, the Kingdom’s mission during this summit is to define the execution mechanisms to take up the climate challenge. His Majesty wants to position this event as an African summit. Indeed, Africa is the continent most impacted by global warming and these effects will determine its future.

The poorer countries of the world are the ones that host the highest number of refugees. It is a fact reported by Amnesty International on October 6 2016 in a report stating that 10 countries with the lowest GDP (less than 2.5%), host 56% of the world's refugees.

However, it is in rich countries like France, Germany, Great Britain, Denmark, Austria and newcomers in the EU, like Poland, Hungary, and Austria, that the, anti-muslim immigration movements have seen the highest growth.  

Anti-immigration movements have reached an unprecedented scale with the refugee "crisis" from countries devastated by civil wars. The racist speech is liberated, in a European Union, which was created precisely to avoid ever being confronted again with institutionalized racism after World War II.

Democratic conservative parties are gradually giving more room to their « right wings », which have close ties to xenophobic movements. Left-winged political parties aren't left out in this matter. They perceive the Muslim immigration as a "concern", if not "a problem".

A former president of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), who for over a decade professed democracy and freedom of speech for countries in democratic transition was elected mayor in the French town of Béziers. Today he plays on the fear and hatred of Muslim immigrants; creates private militias which were later dismantled by law; announces a referendum in January 2017 (election year in France) in order not to host any migrants, as illustrated by racist posters, whilst this city is only required to create 40 additional places for migrants. The latter largely come from Calais -following its dismantling- in a shelter run by an ecumenical NGO, better known as the "Cimade" ... This can only raise questions. Because this is France, the country of "liberty, equality and fraternity."

When Germany, where the far right seemed to be forever annihilated after the Second World War, is faced with Pegida -which recently celebrated its second anniversary. This movement arose after the refugee 'crisis' and uses the slogan "Muslim migrants are not welcome," it also raises questions. Notably since the awakening of the AFD, the extreme right party, not far from the neo-Nazis, which within a few months managed to defeat the party of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in her own political bastion… This led to a crisis within the CDU (Christian Democratic Party) and the party to require a firmer policy towards refugees from the German Chancellor.

Germany is the European country hosting most refugees in Europe.

France and Germany, the two pillars of the European Union, are currently facing a new phenomenon in of post-war history:  The far right parties have nibbled their way through in such a manner that they eventually mutated into parties which European democracies can no longer ignore, because they are part of the decision-making bodies.

CCME

During his historical speech, on King and Revolution’s Day, His Majesty the King decontructed masterfully the hate speeches of obscurantists who manipulate Islam for criminal purposes

Muslim Migrants in Europe : the « link » with terrorism

HM the King introduced the subject by saying : »The entire world is talking about migration and the tragedies migrants have to endure.

The situation is further compounded by the spread of the phenomenon of extremism and terrorism, and by attempts to link it – rightly or wrongly – to migrants, especially in Europe » .

The call to Moroccan Migrants

Talking about the moroccan migrants in Europe, His Majesty the King said « In this respect, I wish to call on Moroccans living abroad to remain firmly committed to their religious values and to their time-honored traditions as they face up to this phenomenon which has nothing to do with their culture or background.

I also urge them to maintain their good reputation, to show forbearance in these trying circumstances, to close ranks and to be, as always, staunch advocates of peace, concord and co-existence in their country of residence ».The King added : »I realize how difficult the situation is for them. They suffer from the distortion of the image of Islam; they also suffer from terrorist attacks, which have already claimed the lives of many of them.

Our community abroad also suffers from the backlash of terrorist activities and from accusations levelled against them, by some, because of their faith».

Unprecedented  religious lecture

In reference to an assassinated priest in a church in France  HM said : « Naturally, I strongly condemn the killing of innocent people. Killing a priest is forbidden by religion; murdering him inside a church is unforgivable madness, for he is a human being and a religious man – even if he is not a Muslim. Islam commands us to take good care of the people of the Book. The Almighty says: “We make no distinction between one and another of His apostles”. He also said: “But it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers.”

He strongly condemned the ignorance of those who choose terrorism and kill in the name of Islam : »Those who engage in terrorism, in the name of Islam, are not Muslims. Their only link to Islam is the pretexts they use to justify their crimes and their folly. They have strayed from the right path, and their fate is to dwell forever in hell.

They think – out of ignorance – that they are engaging in jihad. Since when has jihad been synonymous with killing innocent people? The Almighty says: “Do not transgress limits, for Allah loves not transgressors”.

Is it conceivable that God – the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate – could order someone to blow himself up or kill innocent people? Islam, as a matter of fact, does not permit any kind of suicide – whatever the reasons or circumstances. The Almighty says: “if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole people”.

Islam is the religion of peace. Almighty God says: “O you who believe! Enter into peace whole-heartedly”.

Jihad and suicide

His Majesty, Amir El Mouminine added "As for jihad in Islam, it is governed by specific conditions, including the fact that it is to be resorted to only for defense purposes – not for murder or aggression. It is forbidden to kill people under the pretext of jihad.

Also, to be valid, jihad would have to be called for by the Commandership of the Faithful – and not by an individual or group of people.

Those who call for murder and aggression, those who excommunicate people without a legitimate reason, those who interpret the Quran and the Sunnah to suit their purposes, are actually lying to Allah and His Messenger.

That, in fact, is the real blasphemy, for the Almighty says: “Who, then, does more wrong than one who utters a lie concerning Allah, and rejects the Truth when it comes to him; is there not in Hell an abode for blasphemers?”. My ancestor, Prophet Muhammad – may peace and blessings be upon him – said: “Whoever tells lies about me deliberately, let him take his place in Hell”.

Terrorists take advantage of some young Muslims – particularly in Europe – and of their ignorance of the Arabic language and of true Islam, to spread their distorted messages and misleading promises.

How could anyone of sound mind believe that the reward for jihad is a number of virgins ? How could one possibly accept that anyone who listens to music will be swallowed by the depths of the earth, and other such lies?

Terrorists and extremists use all means to convince young people to join them in order to attack societies profoundly committed to the ideals of freedom, openness and tolerance.

Condemnation of some self proclaimed « islam authorities »

« Moreover, several Muslim groups and societies perceive themselves as authorities on Islam, arguing that they represent true Islam – which implies others do not. In reality, however, they could not be further from Islam and its tolerant values.

Such attitudes encourage the spread of the extremist ideology, of excommunication and terrorism, for terror advocates believe that this is the path to true Islam. These people need to take a hard look at themselves and decide to what extent they are responsible for the crimes and human tragedies perpetrated in the name of Islam ».

Muslims, jews and christians must stand together against obscurantism

King Mohammed VI concluded « All of us are targets. Whoever thinks or believes in what I have just said is a target of terrorism. That scourge hit Morocco in the past, then it struck in Europe and in many parts of the world. As ignorance spreads in the name of religion, Muslims, Christians and Jews have to close ranks in order to tackle all forms of extremism, hatred and reclusiveness.

As attested by the history of mankind, it is impossible to achieve progress in a society which is plagued by radicalism and hatred, for the latter are the main ingredients of insecurity and instability.

There are countless examples, in human civilization, of success stories which show that religious interaction and coexistence produce open societies in which love, harmony and prosperity prevail.

This was also illustrated by the Islamic civilization, especially in Baghdad and Andalusia, which were among the greatest, most open civilizations of mankind ».

The immigration from Muslim countries in Europe is at the heart of debates often nauseating in the continent that gave birth, not so long ago, to Nazism and Fascism.

The Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME) organizes an exhibition named "The Art of Tolerance" from June 21 to July 31 2016 at the Bab Rouah gallery in Rabat.

Léo Ferré sang beautifully that "as time goes, everything goes." But the Fransch anarchist singer was thinking of love an probably not about  probably about policy and the practical integration of the immigrants of the the poorer countries of the world who prove every day that the term integration is "updated. 

On the sidelines of the 60th session of the Committee on the Status of Women held in New York, the  working group "Gender Approach and New Generation" of the Council of the Moroccan community abroad (CCME) and Jossour Forum of Moroccan women (Jossour FFM) jointly organized a conference on the theme "No peace without sustainable development: the case of Moroccan women from « here and elsewhere." The Constitutional Institution and NGOs have opted for a partnership to discuss the experience of Moroccan women of the world, in terms of the fragile rights obtained and the  challenges which stil have to be raised. 

Sadness and desolation in Brussels on this 22th March 2016, cowardly hit by terror: explosion of a subway and a double one in Zaventem airport. A city under "the sound of sirens" as headlined the Belgian newspaper "Le Soir". Dozens of innocent people on their way to work, school in this town which the great Jacques Brel made dancing, were killed, injured randomly. It was brutal. And naturally final. Those who escaped from the ignominy remained locked in their workplaces during the day. The doors of schools were closed so that future generations could not see the bloody cobblestones of this peaceful country.

Miles from the crowded Maelbeek subway station, came the turn of Zaventem, the airport of the capital where the travelers were waiting for their flight witnessed this open wound of terrorism. Dozens of dead innocents again after two brainwashed men by the radicalism exploded themselves in the middle of the civilians who were there on this dark and sad day for Belgium.

He who kills a man kills all humanity ... The whole world witnessed its solidarity with Belgium. Because what happened in Belgium, and months ago in France, can happen anywhere.

Innocents killed in the name of human folly and madness. In the name of this vile beast of terrorism.

CCME

Pegida, "Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West"  (Patriotische Europäer gegen die Islamisierung of Abendlande),  is a right wing  an anti-immigrant and anti-Islam organization launched in October 2014 in Germany, on social networks by Lutz Bachmann, a man known for his troubles with the German authorities: Bachman has since resigned from the movement.
On 20 October 2014, the first demonstration of Pegida was held in the german city of Dresden:it gathered some five hundred people .However every racist gathering organized y Pegida on mondays in Germany faces faces anti-racist demonstrations 
Pegida  gathers mainly people close to the extreme right, but until now no studies have shown that Pegida is a political organization.
Scapegoats for Pegida are essentially foreigners, Muslims, politicians and the media.
On 6th February 2016, the Movement has organized demonstrations in 14 European countries. But the protests were not successful despite the rise of the extreme right in Europe.

Europeans of Moroccan origin currently occupy all functions in the Old Continent, but also in the "New World". They are politicians, scientists, intellectuals, journalists, writers, musicians, artists, trade unionists ... These women and men are the best shield against racism: all these people are perfectly integrated into their host societies. And if some of them claim to belong to their host countries without denying their origin, this should be an asset for humanity as a whole,
Because, yes,  when the difference is perceived as a mutual enrichment it is humanity that advance. It is the melting pot that allowed the United States to become a great power; the tragic wars of the twentieth century are the"horror that gave birth to the League of Nations and later the United Nations. And it seems important to remind the Spanish War, that of 1936, which was terrifying by the number of deaths, but culturally quite unique in modern history. Intellectuals, but especially huge writers, novelists mostly committed alongside Spanish democrats against Franco's fascism.
It is also never useful to recall a turning point in the history of Morocco. When the King Mohammed V in a Morocco under French protectorate, alone, fought Nazi ideology, rejecting the Vichy regime's policy installed in France, country of Equality and Fraternity , by protecting the Moroccan citizens of Jewish faith. And rejecting all forms of discrimination against them.
History has this essential that it does not disappear. It is written. not only engraved in the memories, but in the history books. It is infallible. And it is not mathematical proof, but human knowledge, mastery of our roots that helps us to live our identities which are always multiple. The purity of the race gave "birth" to the gas chambers, pogroms and abominable dehumanization during the last half century.
If today people born of parents or great parents who came to this or that continent manage to BE, to EXIST as citizens in societies which have become theirs, this is proof that racism is a "concept" that refutes humanity as a whole.
The "recent" immigrants in European countries, but also in many other economically developed countries are completely integrated, without denying their origins, without denying their full citizenship  in  what is called the "western world".
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