Rabat marks five years of a deepened and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the African Union
Rabat is celebrating this Monday, April 20, five years of a strengthened and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the African Union. The African electoral observers training cycle, the first initiative of its kind, is holding its fifth edition from April 20 to 24, 2026, in Rabat.
Launched in 2022 with only 15 participants, the program has seen rapid growth and this year brings together around one hundred experts from 53 African countries representing the continent’s five regions, including delegates from nations undergoing democratic transition. At the conclusion of the current session, Morocco will have contributed to the training of nearly 400 African observers.
The operational effectiveness of the program is now demonstrated by the successful deployment of nearly 95 percent of its graduates in election observation missions across Africa.
This success was praised by African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in his July 2025 report, in which he highlighted Morocco’s contribution to democratic governance in Africa. This continental recognition was also confirmed by the Peace and Security Council, which formally adopted a decision welcoming Morocco’s strategic support in training election observers across the continent.
The context of accelerated digital transformation has created new challenges for the integrity of elections. In response, this year’s edition includes a new module dedicated to the digital integrity of electoral processes. The component aims to equip experts with advanced tools to detect and counter hybrid threats, understand the impact of manipulated media content, mass disinformation campaigns generated by artificial intelligence, and cyber influence attempts designed to distort voter choice.
Faithful to its participatory approach, this edition marks another milestone. Alongside women and young leaders, who represent 65 percent and 85 percent respectively of the observers trained in Rabat, the program is integrating persons with special needs for the first time, making the election observation process more inclusive and reflective of the full diversity of African societies.
The fifth edition will also be marked by the presentation of a distinction award to Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in recognition of his exceptional leadership and Morocco’s unwavering commitment to democratic governance, peace and security across Africa under the vision of King Mohammed VI.
Co-chaired by Nasser Bourita and African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the Rabat gathering reaffirms Morocco’s role as a regional hub for training and dialogue in support of an inclusive, stable, prosperous and sovereign Africa fully in charge of its own electoral future.
Editorial team/le7tv
