Doha – A leading British defense and security think tank has pointed to Morocco’s growing strategic role in promoting stability across the Sahel region, stressing the country’s unique position in tackling transnational threats and fostering regional cooperation.
In a commentary published today by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), experts Nicholas Hopton, Burcu Ozcelik, and Beatriz de León Cobo write that Morocco has emerged as “a key player in supporting stability in the Sahel, leveraging its strategic position, deep historical ties, and economic and infrastructure development partnerships to promote cross-border security cooperation.”
“As a historical bridge between North and West Africa, Morocco is uniquely positioned to act as a stabilising force, using a mix of diplomatic, economic and security tools to support sustainable development and security in the Sahel,” the experts state in their analysis.
The RUSI commentary says Morocco’s recent launch of the Atlantic Initiative stands as one of its “most ambitious steps,” aiming to provide landlocked Sahel countries access to vital maritime trade routes through Moroccan Atlantic ports. “Access to Morocco’s ports offers a critical corridor to global markets, reducing their reliance on other neighbours,” the report explains.
According to the British institution, Rabat has taken “a number of strategic steps to emerge as a key security partner to the UK and Europe.” The experts point to Morocco’s concrete actions, including a power plant inaugurated in Niamey in December 2024, which they say helped “reinforce Niger’s energy sovereignty” during a period of electricity shortages caused by sanctions.
“Morocco’s policy priorities and national security are deeply connected to, and influenced by, developments in the Sahel,” the RUSI experts note, adding that the North African country’s investments in “infrastructure, banking and telecommunications illustrate its commitment to economic interdependence to counter extremism and promote sustainable partnerships.”
The commentary also points to the significance of broader geo-economic partnerships, specifically mentioning the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project, which “aims to connect West African energy resources to North Africa and Europe.”
The British think tank’s analysis comes amid major regional developments, including the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS in January. The report says Morocco has been “intensifying its diplomatic and economic efforts” while “positioning itself as a reliable partner to the military governments in the Central Sahel – particularly after ECOWAS sanctions led to border closures.”
“The Sahel has emerged as a critical geopolitical region where the UK and its allies face consequential policy decisions related to security, stability, cross-border organised crime, terrorism, illegal migration and illicit finance,” the RUSI experts write, adding that Morocco’s various initiatives align with international interests in fostering regional stability and security.
The commentary concludes by stating that “success in achieving peace and prosperity in the Sahel and the West African region depends on cohesive, collective efforts that transcend national boundaries,” where Morocco’s role has become increasingly vital.
The RUSI analysis aligns significantly with recent French media coverage of Morocco’s growing regional influence, with two publications standing out in particular.
In a December 2024 report, Le Monde detailed Morocco’s emergence “as a crucial mediator between Western nations and the military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger,” pointing to several successful diplomatic interventions, including the release of four French DGSE agents through “direct intervention by King Mohammed VI.”
In addition, Le Point’s recent investigation unveiled this month further documents Morocco’s security expertise, with the country’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) chief Cherkaoui Habboub stating that “since the military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, terrorist groups continue to gain power, taking advantage of instability to extend their influence.”
The French magazine notes Morocco’s strategic approach has proven particularly effective in combining security measures with regional development initiatives.
Both French publications echo RUSI’s assessment of Morocco’s unique position as what Le Monde describes as “an understanding of the new sovereignist context” in the Sahel region, while maintaining productive relationships with transitional governments and sharing expertise in defense and security matters, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts.
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