Morocco strengthens military ties at AFRICOM command change in Germany

Monday 18 August 2025 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco strengthens military ties at AFRICOM command change in Germany

General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone, led a high-ranking delegation to Stuttgart, Germany, on August 14-15 to attend the change of command ceremony at the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).

The event marked the official transition of leadership from General Michael Langley to General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, the 7th AFRICOM commander since the unit’s inception.

Morocco’s key role in AFRICOM partnerships

Representing Morocco on the instruction of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, General Berrid used the occasion to reinforce military cooperation with strategic partners. During the event, he held meetings with civil and military officials from the United States, Africa, and other regions, underlining Rabat’s commitment to strengthening alliances.

General Anderson, who previously led Joint Force Development at the Pentagon and commanded the Special Operations Command Africa, succeeds General Langley after his nomination was approved by the US Senate.

AFRICOM, headquartered in Stuttgart, coordinates US military operations and partnerships across the African continent. Morocco has long been a key ally, hosting joint military exercises such as the annual "African Lion" drills, which highlight the depth of cooperation between Rabat and Washington.

Speculation over AFRICOM’s relocation

Reports suggest that Washington is considering relocating AFRICOM’s headquarters from Stuttgart to Africa as part of a broader reorganization of its military presence on the continent. Morocco is emerging as a leading candidate, thanks to its geostrategic location at the intersection of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, along with its advanced military infrastructure.

Spanish media have cited advanced studies favoring Morocco’s Kenitra military base as a potential site for the new headquarters, meeting the Pentagon’s criteria of logistical superiority, political stability, and reliable partnerships.

This development aligns with the original vision of AFRICOM’s establishment in 2007, under former US President George W. Bush, which aimed to base the command within Africa. While this objective has yet to be realized, momentum appears to be building under recent US administrations.

Strengthening Morocco-US military ties

Morocco continues to solidify its standing as a strategic partner in the region. Recent developments, including arms deals and the acquisition of advanced military equipment such as Oshkosh armored vehicles and AH-64 Apache helicopters, reflect the growing depth of the Morocco-US alliance.

The AFRICOM command change ceremony further underscores Morocco’s pivotal role in regional security and its commitment to fostering military collaboration on a global scale.