The Kingdom of Morocco has mobilized substantial investments to ensure the prosperity and economic growth of the Sahara region, said Ilan Berman, vice-president of the American Foreign Policy Council, while highlighting the growing international momentum of recognition for the Kingdom's efforts in its Sahara.
"Morocco’s approach to administering its southern provinces is very telling," said Berman in an interview with Morocco's News Agency (MAP), adding that the Kingdom "has invested heavily, methodically, and thoughtfully in fostering both political autonomy and economic prosperity" in its southern provinces.
"This has been significant," the analyst pointed out, noting that "more and more countries now recognize that the Moroccan vision for its southern provinces is the real and viable one."
"The Moroccan vision—of political autonomy and economic prosperity—is increasingly being seen as sound" in the absence of "credible alternative visions", he underlined.
"If Morocco’s autonomy plan is the only serious proposal on the table—the only one being invested in and implemented—then naturally it gains traction," said Berman. "That’s what we’re seeing, most recently with the UK’s support."
The analyst stressed the importance of the social reforms implemented by Morocco in the last twenty years, adding that the tolerant and inclusive Islam advocated by Morocco has become a model to follow at the regional and international levels.
The investments Morocco has made in this regard—such as the Mohammed VI Institute in Rabat, the training of foreign imams, and the promotion of tolerant messages—have elevated Morocco’s role in the religious discourse in the Muslim world," he pointed out. "This has also made Morocco an increasing point of interest for Western countries searching for alternatives to radical ideologies." that persist in the region
Regarding Morocco-U.S. relations, the vice-president of the American Foreign Policy Council said that "the longevity of this relationship is a testament to how vibrant and significant it is for both countries."
"It’s especially clear now, in the current U.S. administration, which is focused on highly competitive partners—partners who contribute meaningfully to the bilateral relationship and who are dynamic in terms of their economies," he added.
"It’s not just that Morocco is a long-standing ally; it’s that Morocco is now in a great position to be seen as an even more indispensable partner moving forward," Berman underlined.
Commenting on Morocco's role at the continental level, the analyst noted that the Kingdom "has a vital role to play in African development", adding that Morocco "has increasingly embraced this role as both a political priority and an economic necessity."
Morocco can also leverage its Atlantic location to serve as a transshipment hub and bridge to the rest of the continent, he said.
As for the Kingdom's role in promoting regional peace and stability, the analyst stressed that the vision outlined by HM King Mohammed VI for Morocco’s role in the world and in Africa is aimed at making "Morocco a global player, not only within the OIC or the African Union, but as a rising power more broadly."
"This vision is increasingly gaining recognition and support from the international community," Berman added.
MAP: 19 July 2025
