Gambiaj.com – (Rabat, Morocco) – The Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of The Gambia have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Military Cooperation, marking a new phase in their bilateral relations and a shared commitment to enhancing peace, stability, and security across Africa.
The agreement, signed in Rabat by Morocco’s Minister Delegate in charge of the National Defense Administration, Abdeltif Loudiyi, and The Gambia’s Minister of Defence, Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, sets the stage for deeper collaboration in defense and security through joint training, military exercises, exchange of expertise, and official visits between the two nations.
Joint Military Commission to Drive Cooperation
A key feature of the MoU is the establishment of a Joint Military Commission (JMC) that will define and monitor the priority areas of cooperation. The JMC is expected to meet alternately in Rabat and Banjul, providing a framework for sustained engagement and practical implementation of agreed programs.
The commission will oversee the design of training initiatives, planning of joint exercises, and coordination of capacity-building programs between the Moroccan and Gambian armed forces. This structure aims to strengthen interoperability and operational readiness while fostering a shared strategic approach to emerging security challenges on the continent.
Commitment to African Stability and Shared Prosperity
During the signing ceremony, Minister Loudiyi hailed the agreement as a milestone in African-led defense cooperation, describing peace and stability as “the cornerstones of Africa’s development.” He emphasized that the partnership aligns with the South-South cooperation agenda championed by King Mohammed VI, which seeks to advance stability and shared prosperity across the continent.
Minister Joof, leading a high-level Gambian delegation, conveyed warm greetings from President Adama Barrow to King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan people.
He praised Morocco’s long-standing friendship and support for The Gambia, especially in military training and logistical assistance, which he said has “greatly enhanced the professionalism and discipline” of the Gambian Armed Forces.
Expanding Frontiers: From Training to Counterterrorism
Under the new framework, both nations have pledged to expand cooperation beyond traditional military support to include intelligence sharing, maritime security, counterterrorism, peacekeeping operations, and defense infrastructure development.
Minister Joof proposed the creation of a Joint Technical Committee under the JMC to coordinate defense programs and monitor implementation progress. He also highlighted Morocco’s role in providing professional training to Gambian officers and reaffirmed his country’s readiness to deepen collaboration in areas such as military engineering, medical services, and peacekeeping training.
Both ministers expressed optimism that the agreement would serve as a catalyst for regional integration and a model for African nations seeking homegrown solutions to collective security challenges.
The signing of the MoU, following extensive discussions between the technical working groups of both ministries, underscores the two nations’ shared vision for an Africa rooted in solidarity, partnership, and mutual respect.
As the newly established Joint Military Commission prepares to begin its work, expectations are high that this partnership will translate into concrete actions that enhance defense capabilities, foster mutual understanding, and contribute to peace and security on the continent.
