Chad Expands Diplomatic Presence: New Consulate in Morocco's Southern Province

In a significant diplomatic move, the Republic of Chad has officially inaugurated its consulate in Dakhla, Morocco. This development, which came to fruition on August 14, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in Chad-Morocco relations and underscores the growing international recognition of Morocco's territorial claims.

The decision to establish a consulate in Dakhla was first announced by Chad in September 2022, signaling the country's intention to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Morocco. The inauguration ceremony, presided over by Chad's Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, Abderaman Koulamallah, and Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, highlighted the historical depth and quality of relations between the two nations.

During the ceremony, both ministers emphasized the significance of this diplomatic initiative. The opening of the consulate is viewed not only as a testament to Chad's support for Morocco's territorial integrity but also as a reflection of the robust bilateral ties between the two countries.

With this latest addition, the number of foreign consulates in Morocco's southern provinces has reached an impressive 29, with Dakhla alone hosting 17 diplomatic representations. This growing diplomatic presence in the region is seen as a strong indicator of increasing international support for Morocco's position on the Sahara issue.

The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement following Chad's initial announcement, described the decision as a confirmation of "the quality of bilateral ties through its support for the sovereignty of the Kingdom over its Sahara, its territorial integrity, and its national unity."

This diplomatic achievement aligns with Morocco's broader strategy to garner international recognition for its sovereignty over the Sahara region. In August 2022, King Mohammed VI of Morocco highlighted the significance of such diplomatic support in a speech, noting that nearly thirty countries had opened consulates in the southern provinces, thereby affirming their backing of Morocco's territorial claims.

The King also called upon Morocco's partners with ambiguous positions on the Sahara issue to clarify their stances, emphasizing the centrality of this matter to Morocco's foreign relations.

As Chad joins the growing list of countries establishing a diplomatic presence in Dakhla, this move is likely to further bolster Morocco's position on the international stage. It also sets the stage for enhanced cooperation between Chad and Morocco across various sectors, potentially opening new avenues for economic and cultural exchanges in the region.

The inauguration of Chad's consulate in Dakhla represents not just a diplomatic milestone, but also a testament to the evolving geopolitical landscape in North Africa. As more countries establish a presence in Morocco's southern provinces, the international community's stance on the long-standing Sahara issue continues to evolve, with potential implications for regional stability and cooperation.