The launch of the initiative was marked by a meeting at the French military inspection headquarters in Salé in May 2024.
The objective of this meeting was to coordinate the resources and equipment of the two nations in preparation for the upcoming exercise.
Morocco and France are continuing to strengthen their military cooperation through the organisation of the “Chergui 2025” exercise, a series of joint manoeuvres scheduled for later this year. This major exercise aims to bolster the operational capabilities of both countries’ armies and improve their coordination in the fight against jihadist terrorism in the Sahel.
Preparations for this strategic event are already underway. Moroccan and French military officials are meeting regularly to fine-tune the details of the operations, which will take place on September 22, 2025, in the “Rahmatullah” and “Ardo” training areas in Rashidiyah.
The exercise will involve units from the army and the air force. The main objective is to improve the interoperability of the forces and to assess their ability to respond to asymmetric threats.
Emphasis will be placed on sharing experience, developing joint strategies, and improving combat tactics in a hostile environment.
“Chergui 2025” will take place in two complementary phases, allowing the military personnel of both countries to refine their skills and increase their responsiveness.
This initiative is part of a broader framework of military cooperation between Rabat and Paris and also addresses crucial security concerns. The persistent instability in the Sahel, fueled by the proliferation of terrorist groups, requires increased vigilance and a strengthened intervention capacity for states engaged in the fight against extremism.
Morocco, a key player in the stabilisation of the region, and France, militarily involved in several operations in West Africa, share a common vision regarding the need to structure a coordinated response to new security threats. This exercise will allow them to test new strategies and strengthen the fight against transnational terrorism.
The “Chergui 2025” exercise embodies the two nations’ desire to consolidate their strategic partnership in defense. It underscores the importance for Rabat and Paris to develop a flexible and effective military intervention framework.
By optimising their operational procedures and harmonising their methods of action, Morocco and France are affirming their commitment to ensuring regional stability and preventing the resurgence of terrorist hotbeds that threaten the continent’s security. This military collaboration is thus becoming an essential tool for addressing contemporary security challenges and strengthening the armies’ resilience in the face of future crises.
MK/te/lb/as/APA