Sahel Nations Endorse Morocco's Sea Access Initiative

Morocco, under King Mohammed VI’s leadership, is positioning itself as a driver of south-south cooperation, with a particular focus on fostering unity, economic development, and security among countries of the Global South. A major recent initiative is Morocco’s offer to provide landlocked Sahel states—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—access to the Atlantic Ocean via its ports, which these countries have endorsed as a means to boost their global trade amid regional isolation and trade restrictions from ECOWAS. This initiative not only aims to diversify the Sahel nations’ access to maritime trade but also reflects shifting alliances, as these countries have distanced themselves from Western partners and drawn closer to Russia. Morocco’s efforts are supported by its broader strategy of developing robust infrastructure and institutions, positioning itself as a bridge between Africa, Europe, and the US. The country’s commitment to parliamentary diplomacy and economic partnerships further strengthens its reputation as a stable and proactive regional player, especially as tensions with Algeria and competition over influence in the Sahel increase. These measures align with Morocco’s broader ambition to enhance connectivity, resilience, and shared prosperity across Africa and beyond.