Morocco Showcases Military and Economic Prowess at AMFS 2026
Amidst escalating security challenges in African waters, the African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) 2026, co-hosted by Morocco and the United States from July 20 to July 24, provided a significant platform to rethink regional cooperation. On July 23, 2026, the Royal Navy's Diving School in Tangier served as the backdrop for an impressive technical demonstration attended by international military officials. Moroccan forces showcased their capabilities through simulations of Close Quarters Battle (CQB) and rapid descents from a training tower. This exercise was designed to highlight the readiness of units in response to pressing regional threats, such as piracy, illegal trafficking, and unregulated fishing.
According to military consultant Abdelhamid Harifi, this practical exercise is not an isolated event but rather part of a broader diplomatic strategy. He emphasized that "AMFS 2026 fits into a coherent diplomatic sequence," referencing Morocco's advocacy for an Afro-Atlantic maritime code, the pooling of naval resources in the Gulf of Guinea, and the potential establishment of an African Atlantic forum. Harifi's analysis indicates that in light of declining traditional Western influences in areas like the Gulf of Guinea, Morocco is proposing a response that is fundamentally African, driven by Africans, and underpinned by balanced partnerships.
A Comprehensive Model Integrating Security and Infrastructure
This multifaceted approach to security extends beyond mere military considerations. It relies on a comprehensive ecosystem that brings together the Royal Navy, the Royal Gendarmerie, port administrations, and the fishing sector. During the summit, emphasis was placed on the synergy between coastal surveillance and the nation’s logistical capabilities, exemplified by major port complexes such as Tanger Med, Nador West Med, and Dakhla Atlantique. To reinforce this dynamic, delegations toured the facilities at Tanger Med and the naval base at Ksar Sghir, allowing them to witness firsthand the integration of top-tier infrastructure with modern security systems, developed in collaboration with the US Navy and AFRICOM.
With direct access to the Strait of Gibraltar, a critical passage for global commerce, Morocco aims to demonstrate that effective maritime governance relies equally on trained forces and secure logistical chains.
This operational partnership is grounded in a historical bilateral relationship that spans nearly 250 years, dating back to the Treaty of Friendship in 1777. During the summit, Major General Daniel L. Shipley, Commander of the US Marine Corps Forces in Europe and Africa, reiterated the importance of this trust-based relationship. He noted, "Morocco’s leadership at AMFS reflects a relationship built on trust, professional exchanges, and practical cooperation. This foundation enables our forces to collaborate on maritime security challenges affecting North Africa and the broader region." By positioning its efforts at the intersection of operational security and economic development, Morocco is striving to establish a sustainable stabilization model for the African maritime domain, structured around shared partnerships and enhanced regional sovereignty.
As reported by medias24.com.
