DAKAR, Senegal (AP) – The landlocked nations of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have expressed their endorsement of a Moroccan initiative aimed at granting them access to the Atlantic Ocean, as announced by the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This endorsement came during a meeting held on Monday between the foreign ministers of these three military-led West African countries and King Mohammed VI in the capital city of Rabat.
The trio of nations, which comprise a new geopolitical alliance, had previously disclosed their decision to withdraw from the regional bloc known as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) last year. Following this departure, they established their own security partnership referred to as the Alliance of Sahel States. The alliance marked a significant shift in the region's military dynamics, as it severed long-standing military ties with Western allies, including the United States and France, and pivoted towards forging military relationships with Russia.
In December 2023, Morocco initiated a trade strategy to facilitate access to the Atlantic Ocean for Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger via its ports, particularly after ECOWAS imposed trade restrictions on these three junta-led nations. During the royal meeting, the foreign ministers reaffirmed their "full support for and commitment to accelerating its implementation," as stated in the ministry's announcement.
The backdrop to this meeting is marked by increasing tensions between Morocco and its regional rival, Algeria. Just last month, Algeria reported that it had shot down a Malian drone that allegedly crossed into its airspace near the border town of Tin Zaouatine. Mali, however, refuted these claims, stating that the drone had not breached its borders.
This evolving geopolitical landscape in West Africa raises questions regarding the future alliances and partnerships that may shape the region's stability and economic growth. As Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger seek to enhance their access to maritime trade, the implications of their alignment with Morocco could have far-reaching effects on their relationships with both regional and international powers.
The commitment to Morocco’s trade initiative signifies a pivotal moment for these landlocked nations, potentially transforming their economic prospects by providing access to maritime routes. While the alliance among these countries strengthens their position against ECOWAS trade restrictions, the conflicts with Algeria pose challenges that could complicate their diplomatic endeavors moving forward.
