“Atlantic Africa: The New York Meeting Strengthens Morocco’s Role in the Region,” According to Tajeddine El-Husseini’s Analysis
On September 23, a multilateral meeting was held in New York with the presence of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, highlighting Morocco’s growing role in the Atlantic African region.
Tajeddine El-Husseini, a political analyst, explained in an interview with Le360 that this initiative reflects Morocco’s vision to promote peace, security, and progress in the Atlantic African region.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita announced the royal Atlantic cooperation initiative launched in 2022, which aims to enhance cooperation among 23 African countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean. This group represents around 70% of Africa’s population and 40% of its economy, giving these countries significant economic and demographic strength.
Although this initiative is not a military alliance akin to NATO, it seeks to achieve security, stability, and development through peaceful means, far from weapons and armed conflicts. Concrete results have already been achieved, including the establishment of a secretariat to monitor the implementation of the initiative’s action plan in the Moroccan capital, Rabat.
The program focuses on security, the blue economy, energy, and climate change, aiming to improve living conditions in Atlantic African countries with the support of Morocco, the second-largest African investor on the continent. Morocco supports these countries through its major institutions in the banking, phosphate, construction, and housing sectors.
In a step reflecting this regional cooperation, Morocco, alongside the Mano River countries (Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone), signed a new cooperation agreement for the 2025-2027 period, aiming to strengthen partnerships in various fields.
Key Questions:
- How will this initiative help address the challenges facing Atlantic African countries?
- What role will Moroccan institutions play in supporting economic development in these countries?
- To what extent can Morocco continue to lead this initiative in light of regional and international challenges?