U.S. decision to halt aid opens door for Morocco’s role in Sahel

The U.S. decision to cut aid to developing countries and shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has raised concerns, especially in the Sahel and Sahara regions.

These areas have relied heavily on foreign assistance to combat growing terrorism, and this move threatens to escalate violence and expand extremist activities, potentially leading to state collapses.

According to the Associated Press, the U.S. halted aid to countries like Ivory Coast in January, despite rising violence in Mali and the broader Sahel region, as well as increasing refugee flows into Ivory Coast.

Diplomats in Yamoussoukro, the capital city of Ivory Coast, warned that “cutting aid undermines anti-terrorism efforts and weakens U.S. influence, especially as some countries have turned to Russian mercenaries for help.” Aid programs had supported youth training and the creation of pastures to protect livestock from armed groups.

A UN official stressed that “Ivory Coast is one of the few countries that still resist the terrorist threat in the Sahel,” urging continued support for border communities to prevent extremism.

A fragile region and a Moroccan opportunity

Hicham Mouatadid, a researcher in strategic and security affairs, explained that “the U.S. decision will weaken Sahel countries’ ability to combat rising terrorism. This aid wasn’t just military—it also supported essential development projects that helped communities resist extremist recruitment.”

He added that “this gap will increase the region’s instability, pushing some countries to look for new partners like Russia or China or even negotiate with armed groups due to limited resources.”

Mouatadid emphasized that “Morocco, with its strategic location and expertise in counterterrorism, could play a key role in addressing this crisis. Morocco’s experience in securing its borders and dealing with terrorist cells positions it to offer logistical and intelligence support to Sahel nations, especially through specialized training for security forces.”

He also noted that “Morocco could help stabilize the region by supporting economic and development projects, particularly in border areas where armed groups are active.”

Mouatadid concluded that while the U.S. aid cut is a major challenge, it also opens the door for Morocco to strengthen its role as a strategic partner in Africa. By combining security, development, and diplomacy, Morocco could play a key role in restoring stability to the region and countering growing threats.

Existential challenges and national strategies

Bourak Chadi Abdessalam, an international expert in crisis management and conflict analysis, explained that “the suspension of U.S. aid in the Sahel and Sahara presents a major existential threat to the region, alongside political tensions, military conflicts, security issues, state failure, economic collapse, and the rise of insurgencies and terrorist groups.”

Abdelssalam told Hespress that the abrupt halt of aid will negatively impact the Sahel countries’ ability to tackle these crises, as the aid helps curb extremism and prevent terrorism through funding education, training, and development programs.

He also stressed the need for national and regional strategies, as well as material and political support, which countries like China and Russia provide without conditions related to human rights and democracy.

Abdelssalam emphasized that Morocco, with its deep historical, geographical, and political ties to the region, has a clear vision for supporting stability, security, and peace, making it well-positioned to fill the gap left by the U.S.

He added that Morocco is committed to African issues through regional dialogue and African solutions to address security challenges.