Link to article: https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2021/02/335003/morocco-senegal-want-to-strengthen-economic-partnership/
Early February 2021, the economic social and environmental council (CESE) of Senegal invited the CESE of Morocco to discuss cooperation between the two countries. Senegal reached out to Morocco because it hopes to strengthen its economic ties with the country. Officials from both countries have publicly discussed their desire to strengthen bilateral ties.
The two countries agreed to begin to strengthen such ties with partnerships throughout Senegalese and Moroccan universities. This beginning step will reinforce cooperation in both business and scientific fields.
At the meeting, both Senegal and Morocco shared their desire to build higher rates of exchange between African countries. Additionally, the two countries have discussed partnerships in approaching topics such as the Coronavirus.
The CESE of Morocco was formed by King Mohammed VI in 2011 with the goal of advising decisions regarding social and economic development. While developing these economic and social strategies, cooperation between local countries has been an important topic.
As the Moroccan and Western Saharan conflict comes to an end with a decision favoring Morocco, it is possible that Morocco will become an emerging power. This might be why the country is interested in becoming involved with regional affairs and development; perhaps it wants to become a regional power.
The decision of Moroccan and Senegalese officials to form economic connections is an example of reciprocity. Both of the countries will likely benefit economically from any partnership the two create.
Currently, Morocco presides over the Union of Economic and Social Councils of Africa (UCESA). The UCESA is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to facilitate cooperation and unity between African countries. The region of sub-Saharan Africa is presently characterized as a shatterbelt. This means that there is frequent conflict in the region due to competition between external realm powers. A movement of unity for sub-Saharan Africa that is led by local countries would be a good first step towards lasting peace.