Mali and Morocco Launch Joint Military Commission to Strengthen Defense Cooperation
On February 17, 2025, Mali and Morocco launched their first Joint Military Commission to enhance defense ties. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration through joint training, operational coordination, and addressing regional security challenges. The commission reflects both nations’ commitment to stability in the Sahel and alignment in defense priorities.
hassan benyoub 
Bamako, February 17, 2025 — In a significant move to deepen bilateral defense ties, Mali and Morocco have officially launched their first Joint Military Commission, marking a new chapter in their strategic partnership. The initiative, which underscores both nations’ commitment to enhanced military collaboration, kicked off on Monday, February 17, 2025, with a high-level meeting hosted by Mali’s Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
A delegation of experts from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, led by Brigadier General Abdelghani MOUHIB, arrived in Bamako to participate in the three-day working sessions. Co-chaired by Brigadier General Mahamadou Massaoulé SAMAKE of Mali and Brigadier General Abdelghani MOUHIB of Morocco, the commission aims to identify actionable strategies for expanding military cooperation between the two nations.
Key Objectives of the Mali-Morocco Military Commission
The newly formed commission will focus on:
- Strengthening bilateral defense frameworks through shared expertise and resources.
- Advancing joint training programs and operational coordination.
- Addressing regional security challenges through collaborative initiatives.
This milestone reflects the growing alignment between Mali and Morocco in addressing shared security priorities. Analysts highlight the commission’s potential to bolster stability in the Sahel region, where cross-border threats such as terrorism and organized crime remain pressing concerns.
A Strategic Partnership in Focus
The launch of the commission aligns with Morocco’s broader diplomatic efforts to expand its defense partnerships across Africa, while Mali continues to seek alliances to modernize its armed forces and enhance regional security integration. The collaboration also signals Morocco’s proactive role in supporting Sahel nations amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
What’s Next?
Over the next three days, military experts from both countries will draft a roadmap for future cooperation, including potential joint exercises, intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and technology transfers. Observers anticipate that the outcomes of this meeting will pave the way for long-term defense synergies between Mali and Morocco.
