The response of the Moroccan authorities to the earthquake that rattled several regions of the Kingdom was "reasonably effective", according to British daily The Guardian.
Unlike some "simplistic narrative" conveyed by certain media, Peter Beaumont, the author of the report and a specialist in the coverage of natural disasters, attests to the mobilization and promptness shown by the Moroccan authorities.
"In the space of about 48 hours Morocco partially reopened one of the main roads into the heart of the earthquake zone, opening up a corridor for aid to reach those worst affected," he stresses.
Royal Armed Forces military helicopters The country’s military helicopters have been flying nonstop for days, while an enormous self-organized social effort by ordinary Moroccans has mobilized help from people across the country, Beaumont says.
And where there have been issues, they have largely been dictated by the nature of the catastrophe itself, which affected a widely dispersed population in hundreds of villages spread over extremely difficult mountain terrain, writes The Guardian.
Some of the criticisms carry a "whiff of white savior complex, this pervasive notion that western countries are uniquely equipped to help in such circumstances of disaster and need," it adds.
According to the newspaper, the reality is that one of the first principles of humanitarian assistance is the idea of "sovereignty in decision-making."
"While it is appropriate that foreign states should offer help, it is also a privilege not a right to be invited to assist, with Moroccans in the best position to determine what is required."
"There is a second principle too. On balance, those offering and sending assistance should be sure that their efforts are contributing to the relief effort, not acting as drain on valuable resources," argues The Guardian.
The notion that "certain countries – because of their wealth or politics or technological advantages – are innately better equipped at emergency response seems ridiculous and arrogant," according to the newspaper writes.
"As aid routes have quickly opened up, the pressing question is how to help Morocco in the long term rebuild devastated communities," the British daily points out, adding that this will require a serious commitment from Morocco’s international partners.
