Addis Ababa, February 16, 2025 – Morocco continues to reaffirm its dedication to Africa’s progress by actively participating in joint initiatives that serve the continent’s most pressing causes and the well-being of its citizens. This commitment was evident at the February 2025 African Union (AU) Summit, where leaders discussed key issues such as peace and security, continental integration, health security, climate change, and the renewal of the AU Commission’s leadership.
A notable aspect of this year’s summit was the absence of discussions on the Moroccan Sahara issue. This reinforced the AU’s decision to focus on Africa’s urgent priorities, moving away from its past instrumentalization for political agendas that do not align with the broader interests of the continent.
Morocco’s Impactful Engagement at the AU Summit
As in previous years, Morocco played an active role in high-level meetings and discussions, contributing meaningful solutions to the continent’s challenges. During the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) session, held at the level of Heads of State and Government, Morocco successfully advocated for a humanitarian truce in Sudan during the holy month of Ramadan. This initiative aimed to ensure unrestricted and non-discriminatory access to humanitarian aid for affected populations. Additionally, Morocco participated in a high-level session on health financing, where it pledged substantial contributions to enhancing health security across Africa.
Morocco’s Influence Within the AU
Since its return to the African Union in 2017, Morocco has strengthened its presence within the organization, earning recognition as a key player in shaping Africa’s future. Guided by the proactive and strategic vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has gained the trust of AU member states through its impactful initiatives.
In 2018, the AU designated King Mohammed VI as the organization’s leader on migration issues, resulting in the establishment of the African Migration Observatory in Rabat. Similarly, Morocco has been a driving force in climate action, with royal initiatives launched at the 2016 African Summit for Action continuing to serve as a model for African countries striving for climate resilience.
Morocco has also played a significant role in promoting peace and security. Elected twice to the AU’s Peace and Security Council (2018-2020 and 2022-2025), the Kingdom has chaired the body on three occasions, leading efforts to address security challenges in Africa. One of Morocco’s most notable contributions was the Tangier Declaration, which emerged from the Tangier Conference on Promoting Peace, Security, and Development. This declaration, unanimously endorsed by the AU, reinforced a comprehensive approach that links peace, security, and development as interconnected pillars for stability. The initiative has since united key stakeholders, including AU member states, financial institutions, regional economic communities, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.
Advancing Governance and Democracy in Africa
Morocco has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening democratic governance in Africa by launching a specialized training program for AU election observers. This initiative aims to enhance electoral transparency and support democratic transitions across the continent.
In addition to its leadership in key AU initiatives, Morocco has also secured important managerial positions within the African Union Commission. The Kingdom currently holds the position of Director General of the AUC, a critical role in shaping the commission’s operations, alongside other strategic appointments. Furthermore, Morocco has assumed leadership roles in AU bodies, chairing the Specialized Technical Committee on Economic Issues at the ministerial level and vice-chairing the committee on civil service, local governance, urban development, and decentralization. Morocco has also led the Subcommittee on Economic Issues and served as vice-chair of the Subcommittee on Environmental Issues.
A Lasting Commitment to Africa’s Prosperity
With deep historical ties to the African Union as one of its founding members, Morocco remains resolute in its commitment to advancing Africa’s development. The Kingdom continues to push for administrative and financial reforms within the AU to ensure efficiency and transparency, while also countering any attempts to stall progress.
Morocco’s efforts within the AU are guided by the Royal Vision of prioritizing Africa’s core challenges—peace, security, and development. By actively engaging in continental initiatives, Morocco aims to amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage and contribute to a future where African nations lead the way in shaping their own destiny.
