EU Turns to Morocco’s Strategic Influence to Rebuild Relations in the Sahel
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: In a bid to restore its waning influence in the Sahel region, the European Union (EU) is turning to Morocco’s strategic and diplomatic clout, as underscored by the visit of EU Special Representative for the Sahel João Cravinho to Rabat on Friday. Cravinho met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to explore pathways for enhanced collaboration in the Sahel.
Describing the EU–Morocco relationship as “fruitful” and “multi-dimensional,” Cravinho emphasized that the partnership with Morocco represents a top priority for the EU, particularly in light of evolving security and socioeconomic challenges across the Sahel.
Cravinho noted that Morocco’s deep ties with Sahelian nations, especially members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso — make it a vital partner for European diplomacy. He highlighted Morocco as a “very important source of knowledge, understanding, and identification of joint work paths for the benefit of the Sahel peoples.”
Since assuming his post in November 2024, Cravinho has prioritized rebuilding EU ties with Sahel countries governed by military-led administrations. His visit to Morocco follows earlier consultations in Niamey, part of an effort to revive cooperation in a region that has seen a marked shift in geopolitical allegiances.
The Sahel bloc’s formal withdrawal from ECOWAS in January 2025 and the rise of the AES as a sovereign confederation have significantly altered the regional balance. With initiatives such as a shared biometric passport, the abolition of roaming charges, and a common anthem, the AES is asserting autonomy from traditional West African structures.
In this context, Morocco’s diplomatic and economic outreach has expanded, positioning the kingdom as a regional facilitator. Morocco’s mediation role in December 2024, which led to the release of four French intelligence agents in Burkina Faso, won international praise, including a personal call of thanks from French President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI.
Morocco’s economic overtures have also gained momentum. The Dakhla–N’Djamena corridor project, centered on the forthcoming Atlantic Port of Dakhla, aims to transform regional logistics and trade. With capacity to handle 35 million tons of cargo annually, the port is poised to offer Atlantic access to landlocked Sahelian nations, including Chad.
Despite currently achieving only 11.44% of the trade potential between Morocco and the four AES countries, the economic upside is significant. Moroccan exports to AES countries now total $300 million, while full trade potential is estimated at $2.23 billion.
In a major diplomatic gesture, King Mohammed VI received the foreign ministers of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in Rabat on April 28, reaffirming Morocco’s intent to build bridges amid heightened tensions — particularly with Algeria, which has faced diplomatic rebukes from AES states over a recent drone incident near the Malian border.
For the European Union, engaging Morocco as a reliable intermediary offers a practical solution to regaining regional traction. Cravinho’s visit reflects a recognition that Morocco’s credibility, pragmatic diplomacy, and balanced relations with both European capitals and Sahelian leadership make it an indispensable partner in shaping the future of the region.
As the Sahel navigates a new phase of regional autonomy and realignment, Morocco’s growing strategic capital positions it uniquely to advance shared goals of stability, development, and regional integration — in tandem with both European and African partners.
