Abdellatif Hammouchi: Key to Lasting Police Cooperation between France and Morocco

Monday 14 April 2025 - 14:38

By: Zahouani Ilham

Abdellatif Hammouchi: Key to Lasting Police Cooperation between France and Morocco

In a piece published on April 14 by France’s Europe 1, journalist William Molinié sheds light on the strong and enduring security cooperation between France and Morocco, despite recurring diplomatic tensions. At the center of this resilient partnership stands Abdellatif Hammouchi, the Director General of National Security (DGSN) and the DGST, who is credited as a vital figure in maintaining this collaboration.

Even when diplomatic relations between Rabat and Paris have faced challenges, their police cooperation has remained robust. According to Europe 1, this is largely due to Hammouchi’s consistent and strategic leadership of Morocco’s intelligence services.

The article highlights that while ties between France and Algeria have become increasingly strained, Paris and Rabat continue to engage in a productive security dialogue. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is scheduled to visit Rabat to meet with Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit. Their talks are expected to cover key issues such as visa policies, judicial cooperation, drug trafficking, and organized crime.

More than a temporary alignment of interests, Europe 1 emphasizes the deep-rooted structure of the Franco-Moroccan security alliance anchored for years by the steady role of Hammouchi. Despite diplomatic ups and downs, he has consistently ensured the flow of intelligence between the two nations, particularly in counterterrorism efforts.

Even during the controversy surrounding the Pegasus spyware case, Morocco did not cut off its exchange of vital security information with France. One notable example of this cooperation occurred during the November 13, 2015 Paris attacks, when Moroccan intelligence provided crucial information that led to the identification of Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the mastermind behind the Bataclan assault.

Beyond intelligence sharing, the partnership is marked by continuous mutual training. Moroccan candidates regularly participate in training programs within French police academies. Just last week, 12 Moroccan civil protection agents received training from French experts in search-and-rescue techniques.

Ultimately, Europe 1 argues that the enduring security relationship between France and Morocco is not solely based on strategic needs but also on a deep and trusted personal bond embodied by Hammouchi. His dual role, both technical and political, has made him an irreplaceable figure in the Euro-Maghreb security landscape.