Doctoral Thesis Defense in "International Relations" by Mr. Othman SQALLI HOUSSAINI

The Euromed University of Fez (UEMF) is pleased to announce

the doctoral thesis defense in International Relations

The defense will take place on July 24, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at UEMF

Location: Incubator (LOC001994)

The thesis will be presented by Mr. Othman Sqalli Houssaini

on the theme:

“The African Cooperation Policy of the Kingdom of Morocco: Realities, Constraints, and Perspectives”
-Case Studies of Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Tanzania-

Abstract

The primary objective of this research thesis is to examine the role of culture and religion in socio-economic progress and the strengthening of bilateral relations between Morocco and other African countries. This study analyses the aspects of cultural and religious cooperation and their contributions to both Morocco and the African continent by exploring current initiatives, existing constraints, and proposed solutions to maximize the impact of this form of cooperation. Additionally, it assesses its influence on political and economic dimensions.

This research project seeks to address the gaps and superficial nature of existing studies on this subject, particularly in West and East Africa. As a scientific study, it explores the dimensions of Morocco's African cooperation policy by analysing field actions, theoretical frameworks, and interviews with high-ranking officials, heads of public and private organizations, professors, and policymakers from various African countries.

Furthermore, the study identifies the connections between cultural and religious values and the economic and political aspects of development in Africa. The findings of this doctoral thesis are expected to serve as a source of motivation and encouragement for policymakers, local and international organizations—both public and private—politicians, economists, ethnologists, and religious leaders and communities, urging them to incorporate these values into their projects and decisions with a broad vision that promotes their application across Africa.

Keywords : Cooperation, Morocco, Africa, Culture, Religion, Economy, Politics, Development.

This thesis will be presented to the jury members:

Full Name	Rank	Institution	Role
Prof. Abdelhak AZZOUZI	Full Professor	Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University	Jury President
Prof. Djime DRAME	Full Professor	Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Senegal	Reviewer
Prof. Jamal MACHROUH	Full Professor	Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra Mohammed VI Polytechnic University	Reviewer
Prof. Zoubida NEGGAZ	Full Professor	Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez	Reviewer
Prof. Si Mohammed RIFKI	Full Professor	Mohammed VI Foundation of African Oulema	Examiner
Prof. Harit SATT	Full Professor	Al Akhawayn University, Ifrane	Examiner
Prof. Abderrahman TENKOUL	Full Professor	UEMF	Thesis Director