Marrakech – General Mohammed Berrid led a high-ranking Moroccan delegation to Stuttgart on August 14-15, attending the change of command ceremony at the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
The event marked the official transfer of leadership from General Michael Langley to General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, who becomes the 7th commander of AFRICOM since its establishment.
The Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) shared the news on their X platform, noting that Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone, represented the country following instructions from King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the FAR.
General Anderson, who previously led Joint Force Development at the Pentagon and commanded the Special Operations Command Africa, succeeds General Langley after his nomination was approved by the US Senate more than ten days ago upon President Donald Trump’s recommendation.
The ceremony at AFRICOM headquarters brought together numerous civil and military officials from the United States, Africa, and other regions. During the event, General Berrid held several meetings with strategic partners, reaffirming the importance of military cooperation between Rabat and its allies.
According to press reports based on intelligence sources, Washington is preparing a major reorganization of its military presence in Africa. The plan involves creating a command structure completely independent from the US Air Force Command in Europe (USAFE) and potentially relocating AFRICOM headquarters from Stuttgart to an allied African country.
Morocco’s comparative advantage
Morocco is reportedly among the preferred candidates for hosting the new headquarters, thanks to its geostrategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as its quality military infrastructure. The annual “African Lion” exercises, co-organized by Rabat and Washington, already demonstrate a proven operational partnership.
Spanish media reports suggest advanced studies are underway to establish the future AFRICOM headquarters at the Kenitra military base in Morocco.
The Pentagon’s criteria – logistical superiority, political stability, and reliable military partnerships – appear to place Morocco at the top of the list, with Spain’s Rota base now seemingly out of consideration in favor of a stronger African presence.
Originally, former US President George W. Bush wanted AFRICOM’s headquarters to be located in Africa when he created the command in 2007.
With that objective never realized, the Trump administration now seems determined to relocate AFRICOM’s headquarters to the African continent, with a final decision expected in the coming months.
Read also: AFRICOM Chief Rules Out Move to Morocco, Citing Budgetary Reasons
