The foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have endorsed a Moroccan initiative granting them access to Atlantic trade routes—a move that could significantly reshape West Africa’s geopolitical and economic landscape.
The announcement was made during a meeting with King Mohammed VI in Rabat, as reported by Morocco’s state news agency.
The three landlocked Sahel countries, all governed by military juntas following recent coups, have been exploring alternative alliances after their collective withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in early 2024.
Having formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have distanced themselves from traditional Western partners, expelled French military forces, and strengthened ties with Russia.
Morocco’s offer provides a crucial economic lifeline, allowing the AES countries direct access to global markets while bypassing ECOWAS members such as Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal.
First proposed in November 2023, the Moroccan initiative enables the AES bloc to use Morocco’s Atlantic ports for international trade. It is widely seen as part of Morocco’s broader strategy to expand regional influence while supporting development in the Sahel.
“This initiative contributes to diversifying our access to the sea,” said Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop in an interview with local media.
The Moroccan news agency described the meeting as reflecting the kingdom’s “strong and long-standing relations with the three brotherly countries of the Sahel Alliance.” The announcement also comes amid growing tensions between the AES bloc and Algeria, Morocco’s regional rival.
Algeria cut diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021 and supports the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara—a region Morocco claims as its own.
As part of its maritime infrastructure expansion, Morocco is constructing a $1 billion port in Dakhla, located in Western Sahara.
This investment underscores Rabat’s commitment to securing trade dominance and deepening economic links with the Sahel.
Morocco has also expanded its regional footprint through investments in agriculture, finance, and diplomacy.
In December, it facilitated the release of four French nationals detained in Burkina Faso—a diplomatic victory that followed France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, further aligning Rabat with the AES leadership.
