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Forging Robust Partnerships: Leveraging Morocco's Strategic Advantages for U.S. Interests in North Africa

Saturday 04 May 2024 - 09:05

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In a commentary published by the Heritage Foundation, Amine Ghoulidi, a Visiting Fellow at the Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy, advocates for the United States to reevaluate its strategic partnerships in North and West Africa. Ghoulidi emphasizes expanding cooperation with Morocco as a means of ensuring long-term American interests in the region.

With the military junta in Niger suspending its military cooperation with the United States, Ghoulidi points out the limitations of relying on a limited set of partners. He suggests that the United States should "prioritize establishing and nurturing partnerships with robust, sustainable allies with shared interests, akin to those found elsewhere on the continent."

Ghoulidi's commentary highlights the progress in the U.S.-Moroccan relationship during the Trump administration, which saw a historic agreement normalizing relations with Israel and recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over The Sahara. These diplomatic developments, along with Morocco's strong military capabilities, proven counterterrorism cooperation, and strategic location along the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, position the country as a key partner for U.S. security efforts in North and West Africa.

The annual African Lion exercise, described as "the largest U.S. Africa Command exercise," demonstrates the enduring security partnership between the United States and Morocco. Ghoulidi suggests that leveraging Morocco's advantages, such as hosting AFRICOM assets, could significantly enhance the United States' crisis response capabilities and regional deterrence.

Looking ahead, Ghoulidi proposes that the next U.S. administration could build on the trust established during the Trump presidency to negotiate an expanded partnership with Morocco, aligning with both countries' regional objectives.

Ghoulidi's analysis extends beyond Morocco, exploring opportunities for strengthening security cooperation with Mauritania, given its strategic location and counterterrorism experience. However, he notes the importance of considering the United States' longstanding military ties with European allies, such as Spain, which hosts vital assets at the Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base.

Implementing this shift in U.S. policy will require a concerted effort from the Department of Defense to update its global force posture plans and from the Department of State to intensify diplomatic engagement to forge new or expanded partnerships. Congress must also provide the necessary authorities and resources to support this adaptive approach.

In a poignant conclusion, Ghoulidi warns that "overreliance on a static set of partners leaves the United States vulnerable to disruption while ceding the initiative to great power competitors, potentially perpetuating instability and undercutting long-term American interests." He emphasizes that committing to adaptive and sustainable partnerships, such as expanding cooperation with strategically located countries like Morocco and Mauritania, will help the United States secure its interests and promote regional security.

Ghoulidi's commentary provides a compelling perspective on the need for the United States to build robust partnerships in North Africa, leveraging Morocco's strategic advantages to safeguard American interests and promote regional stability.