Morocco convened the foreign ministers of Chad, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in New York to push forward the Atlantic Initiative, a royal project designed to provide landlocked Sahelian countries with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean.
Held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, the meeting took place at the headquarters of Morocco’s Permanent Mission.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita hosted his counterparts: Dr. Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul of Chad, Abdoulaye Diop of Mali, Bakary Yaou Sangaré of Niger, and Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré of Burkina Faso.
The consultations focused on operationalizing the international initiative launched by King Mohammed VI, which aims to open maritime corridors for Sahelian nations.
Participants described the initiative as a strategic opportunity to enhance regional integration, diversify trade routes, and foster economic growth for countries historically constrained by their landlocked geography.
“This initiative represents a transformative opportunity to link our countries more directly to global trade,” said one senior participant. “It is not only about infrastructure; it is about fostering a shared vision of development and stability in the Sahel region.”
The meeting underscored Morocco’s commitment to South-South cooperation, highlighting the complementarity between its resources and the ambitions of Sahelian partners. Officials emphasized that successful implementation would require concrete mechanisms, coordinated investment, and multilateral support to translate the initiative from concept to reality.
Observers note that the Atlantic Initiative could reshape economic prospects for Sahelian nations, offering new avenues for trade and reducing dependence on traditional transit routes. Analysts also see it as a diplomatic success for Morocco, reinforcing its role as a regional mediator and development partner.
The New York consultations mark a further step in turning King Mohammed VI’s vision into actionable projects, reflecting a shared determination among Morocco and Sahelian states to build an integrated space that promotes both economic growth and regional stability.
By fostering cross-border collaboration, the initiative demonstrates the potential of collective action in Africa, showing how strategic partnerships can become a powerful driver of prosperity and sustainable development.
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