The French newspaper Le Monde reported that Morocco is strengthening its role as a mediator between the West and ruling regimes in the Sahel countries, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The report highlighted that Rabat successfully mediated the release of four French agents from the General Directorate for External Security (DGSE), detained since December 2023 by the military authorities in Burkina Faso, ending a year-long stalemate.
According to Le Monde, this Moroccan achievement comes amid improving relations between Rabat and Paris, which had previously endured more than two years of tension. The report noted that France found itself in a difficult position to negotiate the release of its agents due to strained relations with Burkina Faso. The new ruler in Ouagadougou had adopted an anti-French stance since assuming power.
In this context, Le Monde pointed out that France had relied on mediation by third countries, including the UAE and Togo, to negotiate the release. However, it was Morocco's efforts that ultimately succeeded in securing the release of the French officials from Burkina Faso’s custody. This success adds to Morocco’s previous achievements in mediating cases like the release of Romanian Iulian Ghergut and German Jörg Lange, who had been held by extremist groups in the Sahel.
The report further highlighted Morocco’s deep understanding of the new political landscape in the Sahel, which enabled it to establish strong relationships with the military authorities in the region—unlike France, which has struggled to adapt to this new reality.
In Niger, Morocco is currently working through its intelligence agency to mediate the release of President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained since his overthrow in July 2023. Le Monde noted that this issue was reportedly discussed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Rabat at the end of October.
Moreover, the report mentioned that Morocco has maintained relationships with the new regimes in the Sahel without condemning any of the coups, allowing it to play an active role as a mediator in political, economic, and security issues, particularly in combating terrorism and extremism.
On the economic front, the report explained that Morocco is enhancing its presence in the region by investing in sectors such as telecommunications and banking without imposing political conditions, even with countries like Mali, which recognizes the Polisario Front.
In terms of bilateral cooperation, Morocco has launched several developmental projects in the region, the latest being a thermal power plant in Niger inaugurated in December, according to Le Monde. The project’s inauguration featured images of King Mohammed VI alongside the leader of Niger’s military junta.
The report also highlighted Morocco’s religious influence in the region through the construction of mosques bearing King Mohammed VI’s name, as well as humanitarian initiatives like establishing healthcare clinics funded by Moroccan institutions. Furthermore, Morocco is seeking additional financial support from Gulf sovereign funds to contribute to the development of the Sahel region.
