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Morocco’s FM: Joining AU’s Peace and Security Council Is Chance to Block Exploitation

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita - Press Photo
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita - Press Photo
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Morocco’s FM: Joining AU’s Peace and Security Council Is Chance to Block Exploitation

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita - Press Photo
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita - Press Photo

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council on Friday named Morocco to become one of its official members.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita described the Peace and Security Council as a pivotal organ of the African Union.

After returning to the AU a year ago, joining the council was one of the major objectives of Moroccan diplomacy, Bourita told Asharq Al-Awsat on Friday.

Morocco, which was North Africa’s sole candidate (Algeria, currently occupying the seat, had announced, earlier this month, that it would not run for renewal), was elected with 39 voices in favor and 16 abstentions, more than the 3/2 needed to secure the regional seat in AU’s Peace and Security Council.

The Peace and Security Council is AU’s body in charge of promoting “peace, security, and stability in Africa.”

Today’s election grants Morocco a two-year mandate (2018-2020), which is renewable should the Kingdom decide to run again in 2020.

"Being a member in this body will aid in blocking all maneuvers and confronting all strategies that for years wished to exploit this body and use it in the service of agendas known to some parties," Bourita added.

On the other hand, Bourita told Asharq Al-Awsat that the agenda of the AU summit in Addis Ababa includes a report to be submitted by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI to African leaders on the issue of migration. The Moroccan monarch will be represented at the Addis Ababa summit by Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani.

"Morocco, in addition to its strong presence in peacekeeping operations, is strongly involved in conflict resolution and preventive diplomacy through the King's communications delegations and humanitarian operations, as well as contributing to the development of African countries,” Bourita said.

“All these factors weighed in on its election for membership of the Peace and Security Council, despite all the apparent attempts to block this nomination.”

"Some countries tried to block Morocco’s election, but its fate was a failure because the credibility of the kingdom and the recognition of the work of His Majesty the King were dominant," Bourita said.

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Hezbollah Reiterates Its Refusal to Enter the War

Speaker Nabih Berri (dpa) 
Speaker Nabih Berri (dpa) 
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Hezbollah Reiterates Its Refusal to Enter the War

Speaker Nabih Berri (dpa) 
Speaker Nabih Berri (dpa) 

The US military intervention alongside Israel in its war against Iran has sparked growing concern in Lebanon, mixing fear with uncertainty about what lies ahead, especially as the region awaits Iran’s response.

Lebanese citizens are questioning whether Iran will retaliate solely against Israel or also strike nearby US military bases. Some speculate that Iran might avoid targeting American bases in neighboring countries that have shown solidarity with Tehran, as maintaining these relationships could help Iran push for an end to the war and a return to US-Iranian dialogue.

Despite mounting regional tension, Hezbollah continues to avoid direct military involvement. This position aligns with the recent statements of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who affirmed that Hezbollah will not intervene.

While some interpreted Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem’s pledge of “full support to Iran in any way we deem appropriate” as a divergence, sources say the party is fully aligned with Berri.

Berri maintains that dialogue between Washington and Tehran is the only path to halting the conflict and addressing Iran’s nuclear file. His stance is echoed by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and other political actors.

US envoy Thomas Barrack, currently stationed in Türkiye, reportedly discussed these matters with Lebanese officials and promised to return in three weeks, hoping for progress toward a ceasefire and the implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which calls for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and for weapons to be under the exclusive control of the Lebanese state.

According to sources, the US escalation has prompted behind-the-scenes consultations between Hezbollah, the Amal Movement, and Lebanese state officials. These talks aim to evaluate the situation and ensure Lebanon remains out of the regional conflict.

Hezbollah remains firm in its decision not to engage militarily, refusing to offer Israel a pretext to expand the war into Lebanon. Despite internal solidarity with Iran, Hezbollah is keenly aware that joining the war would not shift the military balance, which now involves advanced weaponry beyond its capabilities.

The sources added that the party is also mindful of Lebanese Shiite public sentiment, which favors stability over another devastating war. Memories of past conflicts, including the toll of Hezbollah’s support for Gaza, linger. Fears of displacement and economic ruin are driving many in Beirut’s southern suburbs to sell their homes, often at steep losses.