The Hague, Netherlands – Morocco has been unanimously elected to preside over the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for a one-year term, beginning May 12th. This marks a significant moment for the North African nation, demonstrating its commitment to global chemical safety and disarmament efforts. The election, which took place on Friday, was held at the OPCW headquarters in The Hague and reflects widespread support from the African Group and all members of the Executive Council.
Morocco’s Ambassador to the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the OPCW, Mohamed Basri, will lead the council during this period. This appointment underscores Morocco’s proactive role in strengthening international cooperation against chemical weapons and promoting the peaceful uses of chemistry. The OPCW, which works to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention, relies on the Executive Council to guide its policies and oversee its activities. This leadership position for Morocco comes as the international community continues to grapple with the threat of chemical warfare and the demand for robust verification mechanisms.
Commitment to Chemical Weapons Convention
The Moroccan government has consistently demonstrated its dedication to the objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention, a treaty aimed at eliminating chemical weapons globally. This commitment is evidenced by Morocco’s hosting of numerous pioneering conferences and regional training sessions focused on chemical safety, and security. These initiatives have been instrumental in building capacity among experts, first responders, military personnel, and law enforcement representatives from across Africa, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to prevent chemical terrorism and respond effectively to chemical incidents.
This isn’t Morocco’s first time holding a leadership position within the OPCW. The nation previously served as President of the Executive Council from 2021-2022, and also held the Presidency of the Conference of the States Parties, the OPCW’s supreme body, in 2017-2018. More recently, Morocco served as Vice-President of the Executive Council on behalf of the African Group for 2025-2026, and as Vice-President of the Conference of the States Parties in both 2023-2024 and 2025-2026. These repeated appointments highlight the trust and confidence placed in Morocco by OPCW member states.
Regional and International Cooperation
The election was preceded by unanimous support from African States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention, as well as backing from all members of the Executive Council, according to reports from Maghrebi.org. This broad consensus underscores the importance of African representation within the OPCW and Morocco’s respected position on the continent. Morocco’s active contribution to the work of the Organization’s various bodies has been consistently recognized by member states.
Beyond its direct involvement with the OPCW, Morocco is also actively working to strengthen regional cooperation in the field of chemical safety. The country’s Ministry of Justice recently coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, and the Moroccan Embassy in the Netherlands to finalize a headquarters agreement and accelerate the ratification of key Hague Conventions, as reported by Morocco.ma. This initiative aims to establish Africa’s first regional office of The Hague Conference on Private International Law, further solidifying Morocco’s role as a regional hub for international legal cooperation.
Looking Ahead
As Morocco assumes the presidency of the OPCW Executive Council, the international community will be watching closely to see how the nation will navigate the complex challenges facing the organization. These include ensuring the full implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, addressing the threat of chemical terrorism, and promoting the peaceful uses of chemistry. The coming year will be crucial for maintaining momentum in the global effort to eliminate chemical weapons and prevent their proliferation.
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