Moroccan diplomats talk to 'Voices from North Africa' students

Students pose for a photo outside the Trent Building.

Dr Tarik Oumazzane, who convenes the 'Voices from North Africa: Resistance, Decolonisation and State Building' Special Subject module, invited two Moroccan diplomats to come speak to students on the mass reforms that have taken place in Morocco in the last twenty years.

One student, Luke Bryan, said that: "Organised by Dr Tarik Oumazzane, we were lucky enough to have two Moroccan diplomats Hajar and Adnane speak to us. This was accompanied by delicious Moroccan tea (and cakes) provided by Tarik. The Moroccan diplomats gave a fascinating overview of Moroccan politics in the context of mass reforms which have taken places in the last two decades. This was particularly relevant to our module Voices from North Africa. As we have studied countries' struggles for independence, this then provided a unique insight into the state-building that has followed. We then had the opportunity to ask any questions. This led the discussion in many directions, from migration to the influence of historical knowledge in political decisions. As well as what it is like to work in the Moroccan embassy in London. This experience was a fantastic opportunity to make a connection between the North African history we have learnt and modern North Africa. Without the in-depth knowledge provided by Dr Oumazzane, it would have been impossible to put this excellent overview of Moroccan diplomacy into context."