Morocco Expands Military Role in Africa with New Peace Operations Centre

Morocco is set to deepen its military engagement across Africa through the launch of a Centre of Excellence for Peace Operations, scheduled to open in 2025. This initiative highlights the kingdom’s growing status as a pivotal security partner on the continent.

As a recognized ally of the United States in North Africa, Morocco trains around 1,200 African military personnel annually in key disciplines such as intelligence, medical services, parachuting, and special operations. It also deploys instructors to neighbouring countries, often arriving via U.S.-supplied C-130 transport aircraft.

Morocco currently contributes approximately 1,700 troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The new centre will offer advanced training for African forces, host strategic policy discussions, and bolster interoperability across peacekeeping operations.

A notable presence at the African Union’s peace and security committee, Morocco presides over this body for a term running through 2025. It ranks among the top UN troop-contributing nations and reinforces its regional influence through regular participation in joint training exercises, including the U.S.-Morocco–led African Lion manoeuvres, which bring together African armies and NATO partners to improve collective response capabilities.

By establishing this Peace Operations Centre of Excellence—backed in part by the United States—Morocco aims to elevate its role as a centre for peace and security training, humanitarian support, and strategic collaboration across Africa.