Morocco and Rwanda Strengthen Military Cooperation
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (FAR) hosted Rwandan military officials in Rabat this week to advance bilateral defense cooperation and reinforce joint efforts to promote security and stability across Africa.
General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone, received General Vincent Nyakarundi, Chief of Staff of the Rwandan Land Forces, on Tuesday at FAR headquarters in Rabat. The meeting was held under the directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces.
General Nyakarundi’s working visit, which runs from November 10 to 14, follows the signing of a comprehensive military cooperation agreement between Morocco and Rwanda in June 2025. The agreement outlines broad areas of collaboration, including training, exercises, technical assistance, military health, and the exchange of expertise between the two armies.
According to a statement issued by the General Staff of the FAR, the meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to deepening cooperation within the framework of their shared vision for regional stability and sustainable security development.
During the talks, General Nyakarundi praised the strong and longstanding relations between Morocco and Rwanda, describing the visit as a “crucial step” in expanding military cooperation. He underlined that enhanced collaboration between the two countries’ armed forces would foster mutual understanding, consultation, and coordination in areas of shared interest.
Both military leaders reiterated their determination to continue strengthening ties and to develop an exemplary model of African military cooperation based on mutual respect, solidarity, and shared objectives for peace and stability on the continent.
Long-Standing Bilateral Relations
Morocco and Rwanda share a history of steadily growing diplomatic and economic relations, which have deepened significantly since King Mohammed VI’s landmark visit to Kigali in 2016. That visit marked a turning point in bilateral ties, paving the way for numerous agreements covering political consultation, trade, agriculture, air services, visa exemptions, tourism, and security cooperation.
In July 2025, Morocco’s Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration Abdeltif Loudyi received Rwandan Minister of Defense Juvenal Marizamunda, who led a high-level delegation to Morocco. The two sides used the occasion to consolidate their defense partnership and signed an extensive cooperation framework establishing a joint military commission tasked with defining priority areas and ensuring regular follow-up.
Officials from both nations have consistently highlighted their shared commitment to peace, security, and development in Africa, emphasizing the strategic nature of Morocco–Rwanda relations. The growing defense partnership reflects their common goal of building a resilient and secure African continent grounded in cooperation, innovation, and mutual trust.
