“The southern provinces of the Kingdom have always been at the center of development promises, with successive governments proclaiming that their natural wealth—oil, gas, minerals, and marine resources—would be the key to economic prosperity benefiting all Moroccans. However, the delay in the actual exploitation of these resources has raised legitimate questions about the fulfillment of these commitments. In this context, recent reports published by Jeune Afrique on the growing U.S. role in the Moroccan Sahara bring new questions to the forefront: Will these investments truly foster local development, or will they reinforce a reality that some describe with the Moroccan proverb: ‘The unfortunate works so that the fortunate may rest’?”
An article by Jeune Afrique sheds light on the appointment of Richard Duke Buchan III as the new U.S. ambassador to Rabat, emphasizing the political and economic implications of this move. This appointment is far from random—it sends a clear strategic message from Washington to Morocco and the region. A close ally of former President Donald Trump, Buchan represents a shift in ambassadorial appointments, prioritizing economic and business expertise over traditional diplomatic backgrounds.
🔹 “Business Diplomacy”: Trump’s Strategy for the Region
The article highlights Trump’s diplomatic approach, which focused on tangible economic outcomes and expanding U.S. influence in North Africa and the Middle East. Buchan, known for raising millions for the Republican Party, aligns with this power-driven strategy.
🔹 U.S. Investments in the Sahara: A Strategic Opportunity
The article explores Washington’s growing economic presence in the Moroccan Sahara, not just for its geopolitical significance but also for its vast economic potential. Major American companies in renewable energy and infrastructure are already seizing opportunities in the region.
🔹 Dakhla’s Port: A Geopolitical and Logistical Powerhouse
One of the key projects that Buchan may focus on is the development of Dakhla Atlantic Port, envisioned as a strategic trade hub connecting Africa with Europe and the Americas. This initiative would enhance Morocco’s logistical role while bolstering U.S. economic influence in the region.
🔹 A U.S. Consulate in Dakhla: A Political Statement?
The article also discusses the potential revival of plans to open a U.S. consulate in Dakhla, a project previously halted for political reasons. If implemented, this move would solidify U.S. support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and further entrench America’s presence in the region.
🔹 Can the U.S. Assert Economic Dominance?
Finally, Jeune Afrique questions whether Washington can successfully impose its economic and political influence in Morocco’s southern provinces. As U.S. investments grow, the challenge remains: Can the U.S. balance its strategic interests with Morocco’s sovereignty, or will its influence remain subject to regional dynamics?
