Participants at the 2025 Crans Montana Forum (CMF) which opened on Friday in Casablanca highlighted the positive impact of the Royal Initiative enhancing access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean.
This two-day event, held under the theme: “Africa’s International Trade: Maritime Safety and the Security of Ports and Navigable Routes,” marks the first in a series of high-level forums scheduled in Morocco as part of the Royal Initiative in favor of Sahel countries.
Jean-Paul Carteron, founding president of the Crans Montana Forum, said this initiative is a “historic event” and a “guarantee of peace.”
The initiative — which envisions the port of Dakhla as a strategic hub for West Africa — holds transformative potential for the region, he said, noting that “the support from Sahel countries came spontaneously and immediately. We can even extend this to Chad, which is also concerned.” “This access is crucial for driving economic growth and development, and ultimately serves as a foundation for peace.”
“His Majesty gives these countries the opportunity to open up, grow economically, and achieve social balance — all essential elements for lasting peace,” he insisted, explaining that economic development underpins institutional progress.
Speaking at the opening of the Forum on behalf of the foreign ministers of the three member countries forming the Alliance of Sahel States (Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso), Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop emphasized the leadership of King Mohammed VI as well as “the openness and special consideration shown by Morocco toward our Sahel countries.”
“Under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, Morocco’s support has always been steady, urging everyone to be clear-sighted, to listen, to understand and to grasp the root causes of what is happening,” he said.
Diop particularly praised the Royal Initiative to facilitate access for Sahel states to the Atlantic Ocean. “Our three countries—Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger—support this initiative, as it addresses the challenges our nations face,” he said.
For the Malian Foreign Minister, this initiative can enhance the access of Sahel countries and the region to the Atlantic, and consequently help them distribute their goods, facilitate industrialization, and attract international partners.
“This initiative aligns with our goals within the Confederation of Sahel States, namely to establish major projects in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure to enhance connectivity among our countries,” Diop added.
Daniel Mukoko Samba, Deputy PM and Minister of National Economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), commended King Mohammed VI for his ambitious vision for Morocco and for Africa, and hailed the Monarch’s call on Moroccan citizens and business leaders to deepen ties with the rest of Africa, as well as the Royal Initiative to provide Sahel countries with access to the Atlantic Ocean.
This initiative reflects the King’s commitment to greater regional integration and economic inclusion across the continent, he said, noting that CMF 2025 comes at a pivotal moment for Africa, as the continent seeks to define its own path forward.
“By meeting here in Casablanca alongside Sahel states that have chosen a new direction — and with the participation of a country like the DRC — we affirm our belief that the DRC can serve as a bridge between Southern Africa and the rest of the continent,” he said.
He added that Africa remains open to global partners who show genuine interest in working with African countries and supporting the structural projects needed to integrate the continent more fully into the global economy.
The Crans Montana Forum 2025 is taking place amid a sustained momentum driven by Morocco’s significant advances in the field of maritime transport.
The Kingdom’s experience, guided by the vision of King Mohammed VI, is at the center of discussions at this gathering, which brings together high-level political and diplomatic figures upholding the importance of South-South cooperation in securing and fostering prosperity in Africa’s maritime space.
The Forum’s debates will focus on port security, international cooperation, maritime sector digitalization, challenges facing African industry, and the future of the Port of Dakhla.
The forum also features conferences on “economic development of territories through the securing of ports and maritime routes” and “enhanced international cooperation as a key component of any security strategy.”