The conference, organized by the Sahara Observatory for Economic and Social Development, was held under the theme “Access Strategies for Sahel Countries to the Atlantic: Royal Initiative and the Contribution of Civil Society to Sustainable Development.”
In her opening remarks, the president of the Observatory, Gajmoula Boussif, stressed that the Royal Atlantic Initiative is not a mere technical or development project, but rather a profound strategic vision of Morocco with clear political and geopolitical dimensions. She added that the initiative seeks to position the region at the heart of global geopolitical action.
Ms. Boussif explained that the main goal of the Initiative is to open up Sahel countries by establishing integrated horizontal networks within the Atlantic space and transforming vulnerabilities into productive strengths through enhanced regional security and stability.
The initiative also aims to make the African Atlantic a strategic hub for energy, minerals, and development projects, turning challenges such as infrastructure deficits into opportunities for cooperation and regional integration, she noted.
For his part, Ayman Okeil, international human rights expert and president of the “Maat Foundation for Peace, Development, and Human Rights,” described the Royal Atlantic Initiative as a strategic vision designed to strengthen intra-African cooperation.
The Egyptian expert noted that the conference helped shed light on both the challenges and opportunities linked to the Royal Atlantic Initiative, as well as the role civil society can play in supporting it.
Various speakers, including experts, researchers, and representatives of international organizations from Burundi, Gambia, Egypt, the United States, and Mauritania, emphasized the strong development momentum in Morocco’s southern provinces, which they described as a model for other African nations.
They also highlighted the tangible progress in implementing the Royal Atlantic Initiative through major infrastructure projects currently underway, notably the Dakhla Atlantic Port, which is set to become a vital gateway for Sahel countries.
Editorial team/le7tv