Newspaper publishers’ federation joins national mobilisation on the Moroccan Sahara

The Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers pledged firm, principled commitment to the national mobilisation in defence of the Kingdom’s territorial integrity, its executive bureau said in a statement issued in Casablanca on Sunday, November 1.

The professional body expressed full support for the content and guidance of the Royal Cabinet’s statement. It said it was following developments on the Moroccan Sahara issue in light of recent events at the UN Security Council and the positions expressed there on the matter.

The current stage, the federation said, calls for recognising the central role of a credible and serious national press. It reaffirmed its attachment to the nation’s fundamental principles and voiced readiness to join initiatives aimed at strengthening the home front, reinforcing national unity around His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and promoting Morocco’s position against opponents of its territorial integrity and the misinformation targeting the national cause.

Support for the national press and its upgrading were among the federation’s demands, so that it can play its part in countering disinformation and raising public awareness of Morocco’s legitimate rights and sovereignty. The government, it added, should grasp the importance of this role, help stabilise press companies, build their capacity and involve them in national advocacy efforts.

The statement also called on member press companies and regional branches, particularly those in the three regions of the Kingdom’s southern provinces, to step up their presence in the national process aimed at a final settlement of the dispute.

Drawing on its history and professional experience, the federation said it stood ready to help draw up joint action plans with the relevant authorities and other professional bodies to improve the press’s professional and advocacy performance.