Why Morocco is looking to the Atlantic
«Morocco is a tree whose roots reach deep into Africa, and whose leaves rustle in the winds of Europe». The words of the late Hassan II reflected his entourage’s geostrategic vision of Morocco. Today, the Kingdom is taking a new step by turning more towards its Atlantic seaboard. This was one of the key points in the royal speech marking the anniversary of the Green March.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI outlined the main thrust of this new strategy, which is part of the country’s drive to diversify its partnerships. «While Morocco’s Mediterranean coastline is firmly anchored to Europe, its Atlantic side gives it full access to Africa and a window on the American space». So, after strengthening its strategic partnership with the United States, Morocco is launching a new project to further consolidate its partnership with the African states on its Atlantic seaboard». «Our wish is for the Atlantic seaboard to become a space for human interaction and economic integration, and to make sure it plays a key role at the continental and international levels», said the Sovereign.
Indeed, this new geostrategic vision confirms the dynamic that has been underway in the region for several years now. Faced with a situation of no real existence of a Maghreb union, which costs the countries of this area GDP points every year, Morocco could not stand idly by. In addition to strengthening partnerships with West African states, the idea is to launch transformational projects with all the states on the continent’s Atlantic seaboard.
Unlike other countries that position themselves as regional powers, Morocco has opted for an African policy based on a win-win logic, having already proved its worth through partnerships with several of the continent’s states.
Today, the aim is to capitalize on this expertise to support the development of African countries on the western side of the continent. Especially since Morocco, «a country renowned for its stability and credibility, is well aware of the issues and challenges facing African countries, particularly those on the Atlantic seaboard», said the Sovereign. The Kingdom can play a catalytic role in development in this region, whose countries suffer from a number of problems that the security approach alone has not been able to resolve. In fact, «despite the quality of its human resources and the abundance of its natural resources, Atlantic Africa has a significant deficit in terms of infrastructure and investment», hence the need to mobilize financing, but also know-how, to speed up the development dynamics in these countries. Morocco is banking on a participatory approach, involving not only the countries concerned, but also foreign partners, within the framework of international cooperation.
A new course for the Southern Provinces
Following the transformational projects launched in the southern provinces in the fields of infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, energy, and other fields, the Sovereign has set a new course to confirm the new calling of these territories as development hubs. This vision is in line with the new geostrategic vision for the Atlantic seaboard, especially «since the Kingdom recovered its Southern provinces, its calling as an Atlantic country has been further affirmed». Today, the aim is to equip these territories with a new generation of transformational projects. «To ensure a fluid connection between the various components of the Atlantic coast, we are committed to providing the necessary means of transport and logistical stations», said the Sovereign. Among the avenues proposed is the need to think about building a strong and competitive national merchant marine fleet. This strategic shift will be decisive in supporting the Kingdom’s ambitions, especially as most of the Kingdom’s foreign trade is carried out by sea. At present, unless the Moroccan flag is refloated, the foreign fleet will monopolize the lion’s share of maritime traffic to and from Morocco.
Catalyst
In its role as a catalyst for growth, Morocco is putting forward a new and concrete proposal to encourage a virtuous momentum in the Sahel region for example, which is undermined by the fragility of state systems and the multiplication of security threats, against a backdrop of poverty and underdevelopment. To reverse this trend, Morocco is working «in concert with our brothers in Africa and all our partners, to develop practical and efficient responses». The King was abundantly clear about the difficulties and problems facing the Sahel states. For the Sovereign «the solution may not be security and military based alone». Rather, it must be based on «an approach based on cooperation and shared development». In this context, Morocco is putting forward a new initiative, with an international dimension, to «promote access by the Sahel States to the Atlantic Ocean». This ambition may not be achieved without upgrading the infrastructure of these countries. This is essential if they are to be connected to the transport and communications networks operating in their regional environment. For the Sovereign, «this initiative will substantially transform the economies of these countries and, beyond, the entire region».
M.A.M.
