Addis Ababa – Morocco reaffirms its unwavering commitment to joint African action, serving the continent’s noble causes and the vital interests of its citizens. The February 2025 African Union (AU) Summit addressed several strategic topics, including peace and security, continental integration, health security, and climate change. Additionally, the summit oversaw the renewal of the AU Commission’s leadership.
A key aspect of this meeting was the absence of the Moroccan Sahara issue from the agenda, which frustrated opponents of the Kingdom’s territorial integrity. This decision reflects the AU’s stance to focus on Africa’s pressing priorities and to prevent the organization from being exploited for narrow political agendas.
Morocco’s Active Contribution to AU Activities
Morocco played a crucial role in the Conference’s proceedings, making substantial and high-value contributions. Notably, the Kingdom participated in the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) meeting at the level of Heads of State and Government, where Morocco’s proposal for a humanitarian truce in Sudan during Ramadan was unanimously adopted. This initiative aimed to ensure unrestricted and non-discriminatory access to humanitarian aid.
In the field of health security, Morocco reaffirmed its commitment by announcing a significant financial contribution during the high-level meeting on health financing, further strengthening Africa’s healthcare systems.
Morocco’s Leadership Since Rejoining the AU
Since rejoining the African Union in 2017, Morocco has solidified its position as a key player through a proactive royal vision. Eight years after its reintegration, the Kingdom has demonstrated the relevance and impact of its initiatives through concrete actions.
In 2018, the AU designated King Mohammed VI as Leader on Migration Issues, and Rabat was selected to host the African Migration Observatory. Additionally, Morocco’s climate initiatives, launched in 2016, remain a reference point for African countries striving to build a resilient climate model tailored to the continent’s specific challenges.
Morocco’s Influence in Key AU Institutions
Morocco has been elected as a member of the AU Peace and Security Council for two consecutive terms (2018-2020 and 2022-2025). During this period, the Kingdom chaired the PSC three times and launched innovative initiatives aimed at fostering stability in Africa.
The Tangier Declaration, unanimously endorsed by the AU Conference, is a testament to Morocco’s leadership. This strategic document seeks to strengthen the nexus between peace, security, and development, providing an integrated and sustainable response to Africa’s challenges.
Furthermore, Morocco has established a specialized training program for AU election observers to support democratic processes across the continent. The Kingdom has also successfully positioned highly qualified professionals in key AU Commission structures, including the Director General’s position, a critical managerial role.
Irregularities in the AU Vice-Presidency Election
The electoral process for the AU Vice-Presidency was marked by significant irregularities, particularly concerning the Algerian candidate. After six tightly contested rounds of voting, results remained extremely close, with ties or minimal differences of 2 to 4 votes.
However, numerous delegations observed a clear discrepancy between the Moroccan candidate and the other contenders, particularly the Algerian nominee, in terms of background, vision, and quality of presentation before Heads of State.
This situation raises serious questions about whether external factors, such as financial incentives, played a role in compensating for the Algerian candidate’s shortcomings. Despite this, Morocco maintains a strong institutional presence within the AU, notably through the appointment of Fathallah Sijilmassi as Director General, the organization’s third-highest-ranking official.
Morocco’s Strategic Alliances within the AU
Morocco and its allies played a significant role in securing the election of Djibouti’s Ali Mahamoud Youssef as AU Commission President. Djibouti is a country that strongly supports Morocco’s territorial integrity and has even opened a consulate in Dakhla. This election represents a strategic victory for Morocco in reinforcing its alliances within the AU.
A Long-Term Vision for Strengthening the AU
Morocco remains determined to play a leading role within the African Union. Its engagement is based on a vision of development and cooperation, aligned with the interests of African citizens. The Kingdom will continue its efforts to strengthen administrative and financial governance within the AU and counter any attempts to obstruct necessary reforms aimed at modernizing the organization.
Morocco’s commitment to the AU is deeply rooted in its aspiration to elevate Africa’s voice on the global stage. By placing peace, security, and development at the heart of the pan-African agenda, Morocco reaffirms its role as a key driver of progress and a catalyst for positive change across the continent.
BY: The Times Union
