Sahel countries welcome progress on Morocco's Atlantic Initiative

3rd ministerial meeting of the Process of the African Atlantic States, with the participation of 21 countries of the Atlantic coast - PHOTO/MAROC DIPLOMATIE

Margarita Arredondas

08 de octubre de 2024 (06:10 h.)

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Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali also reaffirmed their commitment to integrate this initiative into the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), an association created by these three nations following their departure from ECOWAS

At a recent meeting in New York on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Morocco and several Sahel countries highlighted the progress made under King Mohammed VI's International Initiative to facilitate access to the Atlantic Ocean for the Sahel States.

At the meeting, Nasser Bourita, Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed and welcomed the progress made with his counterpart from Burkina Faso, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré; from Mali, Abdoulaye Diop; from Niger, Bakary Yaou Sangaré; and from Chad, Abderaman Koulamallah.

In a joint press release, the ministers of the Sahel States commended the work done by the Task Forces of the five countries during their first meeting in Rabat on 5-6 June and welcomed the project proposals selected as part of the implementation of the Royal Initiative.

‘The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger presented the actions taken in the framework of the Confederation of Sahel States. Following the indications of the President of the Confederation, they indicated that their country's adherence, involvement and support for the implementation of the International Initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI will now be carried out within the framework of the said Confederation,’ the press release said, as reported by Le360.

King Mohammed VI chairs a working session at the Royal Palace in Rabat - PHOTO/MAP

Another key point highlighted during this meeting was the role of the newly formed Confederation of Sahel States. In this regard, the ministers of Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali reaffirmed their commitment to integrate the initiative within the framework of this confederation. The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) was established on 6 June in Niamey after the member countries announced their departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), an organisation they consider to be too influenced by France.

The Atlantic Initiative, launched by Rabat on 6 November 2023 on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the Green March, aims to provide Sahelian countries with a maritime outlet, opening the way to multilateral partnerships and boosting African economic integration.

Map of the Sahel - AFP/AFP

This ambitious initiative will end the isolation of Sahelian countries such as Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and Mali by opening their doors to the Atlantic, which will undoubtedly bring numerous economic benefits to these nations.

The economies of African nations located on the Atlantic seaboard account for 57% of Africa's free trade and are capable of attracting 60% of foreign direct investment. This means that this initiative will also strengthen cooperation between this African region and the rest of the world.