Morocco Spearheads Atlantic Access Initiative for Landlocked Sahel Nations

Monday 30 September 2024 - 10:22

Morocco is taking the lead in a groundbreaking effort to provide landlocked Sahel countries with access to the Atlantic Ocean, aiming to boost economic connectivity and regional cooperation. This initiative, launched by King Mohammed VI in November 2023, has gained significant momentum, as evidenced by a recent high-level meeting in New York.

On the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita convened with his counterparts from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad to discuss the operationalization of this ambitious project. The gathering served as a platform to review the progress made since their initial meeting in Rabat last June and to chart the course for future collaboration.

The foreign ministers expressed their approval of the work carried out by national task forces from the participating countries. These teams have been diligently examining projects proposed by Morocco within the framework of the Atlantic Initiative. Importantly, these projects have been designed to align with each nation's individual development plans, ensuring a tailored approach to regional growth.

The meeting also highlighted the integration of the Royal Initiative with the newly formed Confederation of Sahel States, a coalition aimed at addressing shared regional challenges. The foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger presented the steps taken within this confederation, emphasizing their countries' commitment to supporting Morocco's initiative within this broader cooperative framework.

Looking ahead, the ministers have agreed to reconvene in the near future to further advance the operationalization of the Atlantic Initiative. This ongoing dialogue underscores the project's potential to transform the region by enhancing economic opportunities and fostering stronger ties among Sahel nations.

As this initiative continues to unfold, it represents a significant step towards reimagining regional cooperation and economic development in the Sahel. By providing landlocked countries with strategic access to the Atlantic Ocean, Morocco's leadership in this endeavor could pave the way for a new era of prosperity and connectivity in the region.