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Morocco World
2 days 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)
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- General
- Yahoo
One of the UK's oldest lions dies at Wiltshire wildlife park
One of the oldest lions in the UK has died at Longleat Safari in Wiltshire. Malaika, an African lion who was born at the estate, and who was almost 20 years old, has died in her sleep. In a statement shared on the safari park's Facebook page, a spokesperson for Longleat said: 'We're saddened to announce that Malaika, an African lion who was born at the estate, was just weeks away from her 20th birthday when she passed away peacefully in her sleep. 'She had been experiencing age-related difficulties as documented in the current series of Animal Park being screened daily on BBC One this week.' Suggested reading: First look at designs for largest housing development in Wiltshire 'My son is a hero': Teen awarded for saving mother's life twice Plans submitted to build homes on site of derelict factory Darren Beasley, Head of Animal Operations, said: 'Malaika was the Queen of Harry's pride, and we know she was much-loved by guests and keepers alike. "She was found in the morning by our keepers having died peacefully in her sleep, which was a lovely way for her to go. 'While it is always sad when we lose an animal, the length of her life is testament to the care she has received over her years at Longleat as the average lifespan is around 14 years.' Lions were the first animal to feature in our drive through safari when it became the first to open outside Africa in 1966 and there are now two prides, one with Harry and the other led by Klaus and Simba.
Ya Biladi
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
New U.S. Ambassador Duke Buchan III: Morocco is key to America's security and prosperity
King Mohammed VI is a «respected leader and a friend of the United States», said Duke Buchan III, the newly appointed U.S. ambassador to Morocco. Speaking during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington on Tuesday, Buchan emphasized that the Kingdom of Morocco is «a pillar of stability», and that its strategic location makes it «vital to U.S. national security». «Morocco has long been a key security partner, hosting AFRICOM's largest joint military exercise, African Lion, and serving as a capable and reliable ally in the fight against terrorism, particularly in Africa», said Buchan, whose nomination was announced in March by President Donald Trump. «If confirmed, I will work to strengthen our long-standing security partnership as we face shared challenges», he told the Senate Committee, highlighting that Morocco is one of the United States' oldest allies. «Our Treaty of Peace and Friendship dates back to 1786. For nearly 240 years, our bilateral relationship has made both Americans and Moroccans safer, stronger, and more prosperous», he noted. Buchan also described Morocco as «a model economic partner», pointing to strong trade ties between the two countries. He called for expanding opportunities for American businesses «throughout Morocco, where the U.S. can bring cutting-edge technology to support Morocco's development goals in sectors like technology, transportation, agriculture, and energy». The ambassador-designate also reaffirmed the U.S. position, reiterated on April 8 by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara and supporting «Morocco's serious, credible, and realistic Autonomy Proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the conflict». He added that the Secretary of State also echoed President Trump's call for the parties to «engage without delay in negotiations, using Morocco's Autonomy Proposal as the sole framework for a mutually acceptable solution». On this point, Buchan affirmed his commitment to «facilitating progress toward that goal». When announcing Buchan's nomination in March, President Trump said he «will play a key role as we advance peace, freedom, and prosperity for both of our countries». Duke Buchan III previously served as U.S. ambassador to Spain and Andorra (2017–2021). Born in North Carolina in 1963, he has had a long career in investment and finance.
Morocco World
12-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
AFRICOM Chief Rules Out Move to Morocco, Citing Budgetary Reasons
Rabat – General Michael Langley, the head of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), said this week that the idea of relocating the command's headquarters from Germany to Morocco is not under consideration, primarily due to budgetary reasons. Langley made the remarks in response to a question from Congressman Abe Hamadeh before the US House Military Affairs Committee. 'I know you have a lot of positive things to say about Morocco, and I do as well, as they were the first country to recognize the United States' independence, and it seems like their alliance is increasing with us,' the congressman said. He then asked whether the US command seeks to relocate its headquarters from Germany to Morocco. In response, Langley stressed that the operational benefit of moving to Morocco would not outweigh the financial cost. 'The benefit operationally of us being able to operate from Stuttgard headquarters onto it does not benefit in an amount the cost of moving to headquarters would be a big dent for our budget,' the AFRICOM chief said. He added that it is more advantageous for AFRICOM to consider the overall cost. 'We would not benefit from moving our headquarters onto the African continent,' Langley stated. He concluded his remarks by stressing the importance of Morocco as a 'great partner,' noting that what the North African country does in exporting security is tremendous. In May, Morocco hosted the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, the largest in Africa. The event brought together military representatives from the US and several other countries, taking part in military exercises against security threats, including terrorism. US officials have consistently described Morocco as a strategic ally in countering security threats across the region and beyond. In March, Langley emphasized the importance of Morocco as a strategic partner, noting that African armies are viewing Rabat as a model. 'Morocco is a reference in defense and stability,' he said, expressing confidence that the partnership between the two countries will continue to grow and contribute to the continent's stability and security. Throughout the years, the US remained the largest exporter of arms to Morocco with 69% of the global imports, followed by France and Israel. In light of these close military ties, several lobbyists have been campaigning against Morocco, which has been hosting the maneuver for 21 years now. Former republican senator James Inhofe was among the most staunch supporters of Polisario in Washington, continuously maneuvering against Morocco. 'I have pushed [the Pentagon] to look at alternative locations for the annual African Lion military exercise that's been hosted in Morocco previously,' news website Defense News recently quoted Inhofe as saying at a hearing in 2022. 'I'm pleased that [Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin] is in agreement with me on this issue.' Nonetheless, AFRICOM officials have long defended Morocco's hosting of the exercise, acknowledging that it will be difficult to find an African country able to replicate what Morocco has been able to do over the years as the host of the African Lion. Tags: AFRICOMrelations between the US and Morocco
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'We're keeping a good eye': Top US general warns of African terror groups attack on American homeland
Gen. Michael Langley, USMC, Commander, US 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. (Pic credit: AP) A senior US military leader issued a grave warning on Thursday about the growing threat of African terror networks, saying the risk of attacks reaching American shores is increasing as extremist groups expand and evolve across the continent. General Michael Langley, head of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), called the Sahel region the new "epicentre of terrorism on the globe," citing explosive growth in the size and reach of jihadist groups operating there. " The Sahel is now the flashpoint of prolonged conflict and growing instability," Langley told reporters. 'We're keeping a good eye on this because they could have the capacity to attack the homeland.' Terrorist expansion across West Africa Langley highlighted two Al-Qaeda-linked organisations that have rapidly multiplied in strength and geographic reach over the past three years. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is now three times larger than it was in 2022, with operations spanning Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), another Al-Qaeda affiliate, has grown fourfold, with most of its expansion in Burkina Faso. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo These groups, Langley said, are actively seeking access to West Africa's coastline, a strategic move that could enable them to broaden revenue streams through smuggling, arms trafficking, and human trafficking, while also enhancing their operational reach. 'If they gain access to the vast coastline, they can diversify their revenue streams and evolve their tactics, more easily exporting terrorism to American shores,' he said. US response and global competition In response to the intensifying threat, US has ramped up its counterterrorism operations. Over the weekend, American forces conducted an airstrike in Somalia against al-Shabab, another Al-Qaeda-linked group that, along with Isis, has plagued the East African nation for decades. Langley emphasised that combating terrorism in Africa is not only a matter of security but also of geopolitical strategy, as both China and Russia move aggressively to establish military partnerships and influence across the continent. 'There is increasing concern about the number of African soldiers going to Beijing for military training,' Langley said. 'They're trying to replicate what we do best in our [US International Military Education and Training] program.' He warned that Chinese and Russian efforts to build security alliances in Africa may undermine US influence and allow adversaries to gain a stronger foothold in a region already destabilised by extremism. A race against time Langley's remarks come amid heightened urgency to stabilise regions like the Sahel, where years of violence, coups, and insurgency have weakened governments and created fertile ground for terror recruitment. The US military withdrew from Niger last year, one of several setbacks that have complicated efforts to contain terrorist groups. As AFRICOM works to re-establish partnerships and monitor terror hotspots, Langley stressed that the fight to contain extremist threats in Africa is directly tied to the security of the United States. 'This isn't just Africa's problem,' he said. 'It's a global one — and we have to act now before these groups gain the power to strike far beyond the borders of the continent.'
