US Urges Move of AFRICOM Headquarters to Morocco and Emphasizes Strong Military Cooperation

Afaf Fahchouch
Afaf Fahchouch
2 Min Read
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The United States is sending reassuring signals to Morocco regarding the future of military cooperation between the two countries. Despite political changes and electoral agendas, this cooperation is considered a strategic “orientation” for the US.

One indication of this orientation is the emphasis placed by US Senator Dan Sullivan on Morocco’s potential to host the headquarters of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM).

In a statement made before the US Senate Armed Services Committee, Sullivan highlighted Morocco’s qualifications as an “extraordinary” candidate in Africa to host AFRICOM’s headquarters.

The US Senator underscored the importance of Morocco as one of the “reliable” and “oldest” allies of the United States. Sullivan also cited Morocco’s security, stability, and distinguished relations with the US as factors that make it a strong contender for hosting AFRICOM’s headquarters.

Michael Langley, US Marine Corps commander of US AFRICOM, responded to Sullivan’s remarks by stating that the request to transfer the US command to Morocco “has already appeared many times.” However, Sullivan acknowledged that this proposal had been blocked by “some members of the committee,” who suggested keeping AFRICOM’s headquarters in Germany.

Despite the opposing views, US General Langley expressed his approval of the transfer of AFRICOM to Morocco, stating that “having an AFRICOM headquarters on the continent could be beneficial.” Nevertheless, he stressed that the current location of the headquarters in Germany is advantageous, as it provides proximity to many partners.

In a recent meeting in Washington with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken underscored the strong relationship between Morocco and the United States, stating that “Morocco and the United States are working together in many different fields.”

Blinken highlighted the upcoming “African Lion” military maneuvers, which will soon be held in Morocco.

Afaf Al Fahchouch

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