The autumn session of the 45th International Cultural Moussem of Assilah Kicked off on Monday, Morocco’s News Agency (MAP) reported.
Held from October 14-31, the event will feature several conferences as part of the 38th Al-Mutamid Ibn Abbad Open University. The inaugural conference opened under the title, “The Crisis of Borders in Africa: Thorny Pathways”.
Speaking at the event held at the Prince Bandar Ben Sultan Library, Mohamed Benaissa, Secretary-General of the Assilah Forum Foundation, said that “this year’s program tackles pressing issues that pose complex challenges for elites, peoples, and decision-makers on both Arab and international levels.”
Benaissa highlighted the importance of the borders in Africa topic, which raises significant challenges, urging that “the topic is crucial due to its profound political implications, touching on State sovereignty, national identity, and the inalienable right to preserve and restore territorial integrity.”
He also noted that the event’s agenda will also include two conferences in partnership with the Policy Center for the New South on artificial intelligence and governance in Africa in the digital age, and another one addressing the vital issue of cultural inclusion and reducing inequalities in employment.
Fouad Yazourh, Ambassador and Director-General at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, discussed the thorny issue of borders, which presents multiple perspectives and challenges on the African continent. He pointed out that “Morocco has successfully launched impactful initiatives for Africa, including the Royal Atlantic Initiative to integrate Atlantic coastal countries from north to south,” highlighting the Kingdom’s focus on security, blue economy, and connectivity.
“The entire process of inter-regional integration contributes to solving transboundary issues,” he added, referring to the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project, which will promote development across the continent and benefit the countries it traverses by enhancing their economic and industrial dynamics.
The Forum also endeavors to strengthen cultural action in Morocco through artistic and cultural activities that promote Assilah as a center of idea generation and recommendations.
As part of the “Tent of Creativity” space, a tribute will be paid to Moroccan writer, novelist, and poet Mohamed Achaâri, a former Minister of Culture, on October 30.
The Assilah Forum Foundation co-hosted the event in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication (Culture Department) and the municipality of Assilah.