Chad Strengthens Ties with Morocco, Opens Consulate in Dakhla
In a move signifying deepening diplomatic relations, Chad has officially opened a consulate general in Dakhla, a city located in the disputed territory of Western Sahara, which Morocco claims as its Southern Provinces. The morocco-at-the-inauguration-ceremony-of-the-rwandan-president/” title=”Morocco's Representative Attends Rwandan President's Inauguration Ceremony”>inauguration ceremony, held on August 14, 2024, was attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, including Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Chad’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, International Cooperation and Chadians Abroad, Abd الرحمن غلام الله.
This development marks a significant step in Chad and Morocco’s relationship, which has been steadily growing stronger in recent years. The decision to open the consulate was first announced in September 2022, when Chad formally notified Moroccan authorities of its intent. In its communication, the Chadian government emphasized that this decision stemmed from the “brotherly relations” between King Mohammed VI of Morocco and the late President of Chad, Idriss Déby Itno.
The opening of the consulate in Dakhla carries weighty geopolitical implications. It represents a clear demonstration of Chad’s support for Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara, a territory at the heart of a long-standing dispute. Morocco has long maintained that Western Sahara is an integral part of its territory, while the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi liberation movement, continues to fight for independence.
This move by Chad follows a growing trend of African and Arab nations establishing diplomatic missions in Dakhla and Laayoune, another major city in Western Sahara. This trend underscores the increasing international recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory. For instance, in recent years, [list of countries] have all opened consulates in Dakhla or Laayoune, further solidifying Morocco’s position.
The inauguration of the Chadian consulate in Dakhla is expected to further bolster economic and cultural ties between the two countries. It is also anticipated to facilitate closer collaboration on regional security and development initiatives.
