New Appointment in the Oriental Region Marks a Shift in National Development

On Friday, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit presided over the installation ceremony of Mhamed Atfaoui, who has been appointed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI as the Wali of the Oriental region and governor of the Oujda-Angad prefecture.

Following the reading of the royal decree, Minister Laftit congratulated the new Wali on the royal trust placed in him, highlighting Atfaoui’s distinguished career within central and territorial administration.

A Nomination Aligned with a New Phase of National Development

The Minister emphasized that this series of appointments occurs against the backdrop of a significant turning point in the Kingdom’s development process. This new phase aligns with the directives outlined in the Throne Speech from last July and in the Sovereign’s address during the opening of the current legislative session.

In this context, a new generation of integrated territorial development programs will be launched, in accordance with the High Royal Instructions. These programs will focus on enhancing regional specificities and fostering solidarity among different territories.

Priorities Focused on Employment, Social Services, and Sustainability

Abdelouafi Laftit specified that these future programs will be developed in consultation with all territorial stakeholders, with a particular priority on:

• Job Creation, especially for the youth.
• Strengthening the Education, Teaching, and Health Sectors.
• Territorial Upgradation.
• Sustainable Resource Management and support for vulnerable regions, particularly mountains and oases.

He also stressed the importance of extending the national program dedicated to the development of emerging rural centers.

Enhancing Regional Attractiveness and Infrastructure

The Minister called for improvements in the quality of territorial offerings in the Oriental region to enhance its attractiveness and competitiveness. This will include:

• Building Modern Infrastructure.
• Creating Integrated Logistical Platforms.
• Increasing the Real Estate Supply for Investment.

He asserted that these actions would capitalize on the region’s economic strengths, establishing it as a competitive hub capable of meeting the demands of advanced regionalization.

The Oriental: An Open Workshop and a Growing Hub

Mr. Laftit also emphasized the qualification of youth and their active participation in the development process, considering it a national priority. He urged stakeholders to transform the Oriental region into a model of opportunity that addresses the skills and ambitions of young people.

According to him, the Oriental today represents an open workshop characterized by:

• Structuring Projects to Diversify Investments.
• Initiatives Promoting Employment.
• Programs Aimed at Improving Social Services.

A Border Region Facing Major Security Challenges

The Minister also reiterated the security challenges the region faces due to its border position and exposure to irregular migratory flows. He praised the efforts made by public authorities, in coordination with stakeholders, to enhance monitoring, limit infiltration attempts, and collaborate with civil society actors engaged in raising awareness about migration issues.

Finally, he called for prioritizing the fight against criminal networks while strengthening inter-institutional coordination and the proactive actions of officials and auxiliary authorities.