Latest news with #MohammedBerrid
Ya Biladi
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan Royal Armed Forces present at AFRICOM leadership handover
A high-ranking Moroccan military delegation, led by the Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), General Mohammed Berrid, took part in the installation ceremony of the new AFRICOM commander, General Dagvin Anderson, held on August 14 and 15 in Stuttgart, Germany, the FAR announced on the X platform. General Anderson succeeds General Michael Langley, following his appointment, which was confirmed ten days earlier by the United States Senate on the recommendation of President Donald Trump. After Anderson's Senate hearing, an international media outlet reported that «the United States is preparing to establish an independent military command for operations in Africa, following the Senate's approval of a new AFRICOM commander. This decision marks the official separation of AFRICOM from the U.S. Army in Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF)». The same report added that «Morocco is being considered as the likely location for the new command headquarters. This reorganization comes amid growing geopolitical competition in Africa, particularly with China and Russia».
Morocco World
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Present at AFRICOM Command Change in Germany
Marrakech – General Mohammed Berrid led a high-ranking Moroccan delegation to Stuttgart on August 14-15, attending the change of command ceremony at the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). The event marked the official transfer of leadership from General Michael Langley to General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, who becomes the 7th commander of AFRICOM since its establishment. The Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) shared the news on their X platform, noting that Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone, represented the country following instructions from King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the FAR. General Anderson, who previously led Joint Force Development at the Pentagon and commanded the Special Operations Command Africa, succeeds General Langley after his nomination was approved by the US Senate more than ten days ago upon President Donald Trump's recommendation. The ceremony at AFRICOM headquarters brought together numerous civil and military officials from the United States, Africa, and other regions. During the event, General Berrid held several meetings with strategic partners, reaffirming the importance of military cooperation between Rabat and its allies. According to press reports based on intelligence sources, Washington is preparing a major reorganization of its military presence in Africa. The plan involves creating a command structure completely independent from the US Air Force Command in Europe (USAFE) and potentially relocating AFRICOM headquarters from Stuttgart to an allied African country. Morocco's comparative advantage Morocco is reportedly among the preferred candidates for hosting the new headquarters, thanks to its geostrategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as its quality military infrastructure. The annual 'African Lion' exercises, co-organized by Rabat and Washington, already demonstrate a proven operational partnership. Spanish media reports suggest advanced studies are underway to establish the future AFRICOM headquarters at the Kenitra military base in Morocco. The Pentagon's criteria – logistical superiority, political stability, and reliable military partnerships – appear to place Morocco at the top of the list, with Spain's Rota base now seemingly out of consideration in favor of a stronger African presence. Originally, former US President George W. Bush wanted AFRICOM's headquarters to be located in Africa when he created the command in 2007. With that objective never realized, the Trump administration now seems determined to relocate AFRICOM's headquarters to the African continent, with a final decision expected in the coming months. Read also: AFRICOM Chief Rules Out Move to Morocco, Citing Budgetary Reasons Tags: AFRICOMMorocco and the US cooperationRoyal Armed Forces (FAR)
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Military Pullback in Africa Opens Door for China and Russia
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. military is shifting its Africa strategy away from long-standing efforts to address governance and root causes of conflict. Instead, Washington is pressing African security forces to operate more independently as America reduces its footprint. At African Lion 2025, the U.S. military's largest joint exercise on the continent, this strategic shift was evident. "We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing," General Michael Langley, the top U.S. military official in Africa, told The Associated Press. Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon for comment. Why It Matters This transition comes amid rising threats from Islamist insurgents and expanding influence by Russia and China on the continent. While the U.S. reduces direct involvement, militant groups affiliated with al-Qaida and Islamic State are gaining ground, increasing the risk of violence spreading beyond current hotspots. The shift also reflects Pentagon priorities under President Donald Trump's administration, focusing resources on homeland defense and expecting allies to assume greater responsibility. Gen. Michael Langley, USMC, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, center, and Major General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, attend the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of... Gen. Michael Langley, USMC, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, center, and Major General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, attend the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 23, 2025. More Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo What To Know African Lion, held across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, brought together troops from over 40 nations for a month of joint training in air, land, and sea operations. Exercises included drone flights, close-combat drills, and satellite-guided rocket launches. But alongside these maneuvers, the military's messaging has moved away from its traditional "whole of government" approach that combined defense, diplomacy, and development to stabilize fragile states. General Langley said that the U.S. now aims to build partner capacity rather than lead security efforts. "We have our set priorities now — protecting the homeland. And we're also looking for other countries to contribute to some of these global instability areas," he said, citing ongoing support for Sudan. Beijing and Moscow Influence Meanwhile, China and Russia are rapidly expanding their influence in Africa through military training, arms sales, and private mercenaries. China runs extensive cooperation programs, including joint exercises with several African nations, aiming to secure strategic partnerships and resource access. Russia, via the Wagner Group and other contractors, provides combat support in the Sahel and Central Africa, gaining ground in unstable regions. These moves challenge the U.S.'s traditional security role and complicate Africa's geopolitical landscape as Washington steps back. A target is hit with artillery fire as U.S and Moroccan military forces take part in the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 23, 2025.... A target is hit with artillery fire as U.S and Moroccan military forces take part in the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 23, 2025. More Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo What People Are Saying U.S. General Michael Langley stated: "We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in April: "We have held the first meeting in the new Russia-Alliance of Sahel States format... Russia confirmed today that it is prepared to... assist in formation of the Joint Forces of the Alliance of Sahel States by providing advisory services." What Happens Next As General Langley prepares to leave his post later this year, the U.S. military faces mounting challenges maintaining influence while encouraging African nations to assume greater security roles. Whether partners can rise to the task amid growing insurgencies and rival powers will shape the future of U.S.-Africa relations and regional stability.
CTV News
25-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
U.S. military shifts messaging in Africa, telling allies to prepare to stand more on their own
Gen. Michael Langley, USMC, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, center, and Major General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, attend the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)
Morocco World
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
FAR Inspector General Receives UN Mission Commander to Boost Military Cooperation
Doha – Royal Armed Forces Inspector General Mohammed Berrid received UN Mission Commander Division General Fakhrul Ahsan Thursday at the Southern Zone headquarters in Agadir. The meeting brought together senior military officials from both organizations as part of regular consultations between FAR and the United Nations mission operating in Morocco's southern provinces. Colonel Alexander Kask, Chief of Staff of the UN mission force, accompanied General Ahsan to the high-level talks. The commanders discussed ongoing mission activities and examined coordination mechanisms that have developed between the two military structures over recent months. Both sides acknowledged the exceptional level of cooperation achieved in operational coordination, security, demining efforts, and logistical support. The productive working relationship has enabled smoother implementation of mission objectives despite regional challenges that continue to complicate peacekeeping efforts. These periodic encounters between FAR leadership and UN commanders have become instrumental in maintaining effective communication channels. During these meetings, they discuss operational concerns while strengthening collaborative frameworks established since the mission's deployment in the territory. A commitment to peacekeeping Morocco's military contributions to international peacekeeping provide critical context to this collaboration. With a legacy of over 65 years in UN peace operations, the country currently ranks as the world's eighth-largest contributor, fielding 1,718 blue berets across four theaters of operations in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and South Sudan. Moroccan peacekeepers are deployed under diverse mandates — from civilian protection to post-conflict stabilization — earning widespread recognition for their discipline and effectiveness. UN Secretary-General António Guterres paid tribute to Morocco's peacekeeping contributions during the 2024 International Peacekeepers' Day ceremony, posthumously honoring two Moroccan soldiers who lost their lives while serving in the Central African Republic under the UN flag. Likewise, in his address marking the 69th anniversary of the Royal Armed Forces last week, King Mohammed VI stressed the urgent need for military vigilance and professionalism in the face of unprecedented regional and international disruptions. He also gave high remarks for the men and women of the FAR 'who watch over our land, air, and sea borders day and night, as well as the various units stationed in our Moroccan Sahara, for their dedication in fulfilling their sacred duty to protect the unity of the Homeland and its security—giving full meaning to the values of solid cohesion that characterize all Moroccans in the defense of their first national cause.' During the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, Morocco's delegation shared field-based recommendations calling for mission mandates grounded in on-the-ground realities. The country also advocated for the value of specialized pre-deployment training. To that end, it has established a Peacekeeping Training Center of Excellence in Benslimane, set to become a regional hub for advanced operational preparation. Separatist violations derail peacekeeping framework However, the Polisario Front's systematic ceasefire violations have severely disrupted MINURSO operations since November 2020. The separatist movement unilaterally abandoned its commitments under Military Agreement No. 1, which it had signed with the United Nations in 1991 following years of armed conflict. The separatist group's decision to terminate ceasefire obligations has destabilized the buffer zone and undermined decades of peacekeeping progress. Polisario continues provoking confrontations in the demilitarized area while attacking international institutions through inflammatory rhetoric and accusations of bias. Morocco maintains strict adherence to the military agreement despite persistent provocations from the separatist group. FAR continues supporting MINURSO operations within available parameters while defending national territory against repeated infiltration attempts and armed harassment. The separatist front's escalating recklessness has deeply unsettled international observers, who now sound urgent warnings over the growing risk of conflict in the Western Sahara. Polisario's blatant contempt for UN authority, coupled with its willful and repeated breaches of international law, constitutes a grave threat to regional peace and security. The militia, increasingly viewed as a terrorist group and reportedly under consideration for formal designation, undermines the very foundations of multilateral diplomacy and fuels instability across North Africa. Tags: Moroccan Royal Armed Forcesthe UN mission in the Western Sahara
