"All major disasters have systematically been the starting point for a reorganisation of political relations. And the earthquake in Morocco is no exception to the rule," says Sylvie Brunel, geographer and former president of Action Against Hunger. She sees Rabat's decision to refuse aid from France, a former colonial power, as "a turning point in international relations where Morocco, which aspires to the status of a regional power, intends to remain in control of its own agenda". "We really need to see this as a historic moment that marks the emergence of the South", says the academic. (Interview conducted by videoconference) SOUNDBITES