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Moroccan King, Gabonese President Discuss Bilateral Ties

Morocco's King Mohammed VI and Gabon's President during the handing over of a donation of fertilizers from Morocco to farmers. (MAP)
Morocco's King Mohammed VI and Gabon's President during the handing over of a donation of fertilizers from Morocco to farmers. (MAP)
    Rabat - Nouakchott - Asharq Al-Awsat and Al-Sheikh Mohammed
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Moroccan King, Gabonese President Discuss Bilateral Ties

Morocco's King Mohammed VI and Gabon's President during the handing over of a donation of fertilizers from Morocco to farmers. (MAP)
Morocco's King Mohammed VI and Gabon's President during the handing over of a donation of fertilizers from Morocco to farmers. (MAP)

Morocco's King Mohammed VI has started an African tour that includes Gabon.

The King is expected to visit Senegal on Monday where he would meet President Macky Sall, according to Asharq Al-Awsat sources.

King Mohammed VI held talks on Wednesday with Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba at the Presidential Palace in Libreville.

The Maghreb Arabe Press reported that the meeting was an opportunity to highlight the importance of the “deep, rich, and solidly rooted relations between Morocco and Gabon,” as well as the “strong bonds of brotherhood and solidarity between the two nations.”

Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Yolande Nyonda, Minister Delegate at the Gabonese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Jean-Yves Teale, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic of Gabon, later joined the meeting.

King Mohammed and Ondimba reviewed bilateral partnerships in all fields.

the King also supervised the handing over of a donation of 2,000 tons of fertilizers, in the presence of Ondimba.

This operation will be followed by a structural action aimed at ensuring that farmers in Gabon have access to quality fertilizers that are affordable and specifically adapted to the needs of soils and crops in the region, according to MAP.

Nyonda said that the Moroccan fertilizers could “alleviate the burdens on Gabonese farmers” as she expressed gratitude for the initiative.

The minister added that the Gabonese government is focused on a self-sufficiency program and the reduction of food imports. It relies heavily on Morocco’s support which is among the biggest fertilizer producers in Africa.

Gabon is an African country on the equator and is rich in its arable lands but faces some challenges in developing the farming sector.

The President of Gabon visited Morocco in 2010 upon the death of his father.

In 2018, Bongo received medical treatment in Morocco at the instruction of the Moroccan King. In 2021, he returned to Morocco on a “friendship and work” visit.

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Arab World

Hamas Faces Leadership Void amid Complex Challenges

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during the 31st anniversary celebrations of his movement in 2018 (EPA)
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during the 31st anniversary celebrations of his movement in 2018 (EPA)
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Hamas Faces Leadership Void amid Complex Challenges

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during the 31st anniversary celebrations of his movement in 2018 (EPA)
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during the 31st anniversary celebrations of his movement in 2018 (EPA)

Palestinian sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is the “biggest blow” to the group since it was founded, even more significant than the deaths of its other leaders.
They said his killing leaves “a difficult gap to fill” and is likely to impact the situation in Gaza, the future of Hamas, and possibly the wider conflict between Iran and Israel.
Sinwar wasn’t just another Hamas leader. After launching the “Al-Aqsa Flood” on Oct. 7 last year, he became the group’s most iconic figure.
He was the “mastermind” behind the operation that exposed one of Israel’s greatest intelligence failures. Sinwar had unmatched control over Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, which is still battling in a devastated Gaza, where over 40,000 people have died.
He also strengthened Hamas’ ties with Iran, securing financial, military, and technical support from Tehran.
Under Sinwar, Hamas saw something new: both political and military decisions were controlled by one man, with strong public support in Gaza. Sinwar was seen by Hamas members as a charismatic leader, untouched by internal power struggles.
His assassination is a major win for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had promised to go after everyone involved in the Al-Aqsa Flood operation.
This adds to Netanyahu’s list of high-profile assassinations, which includes Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The killing also shows that the issue of hostages held by Hamas is no longer a major factor in Israel’s decision-making.
Key points from sources:
Hamas has a leadership structure to handle the loss of its leaders, but no one with Sinwar’s unique skills is left, especially after the deaths of key figures behind the Al-Aqsa Flood.
Unlike Hezbollah, Hamas is trapped in a besieged area, making it harder to receive help. Hezbollah, in contrast, can easily get support from Iran, including leadership aid.
Sinwar’s death won’t end Hamas, but it will weaken the group.
Decision-making will likely slow down, especially in balancing the political and military wings.
Sinwar’s assassination raises questions about the ongoing fighting in Gaza and the fate of hostages. His death could spark a wave of suicide attacks.
Without Sinwar, it will be hard for any new Hamas leader to accept a ceasefire, especially after the heavy Israeli strikes and the loss of key leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran.
The killing comes at a tense time, with Israel preparing for a possible strike on Iran, increasing the risk of a wider regional conflict.
It’s unclear how Sinwar’s death will impact Israel’s approach, or if it will bring the hostages back into focus, as some Israeli leaders suggest a ceasefire may now be possible.