Morocco will help provide security on French territory for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are set to kick off in Paris on July 26, as French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced at the end of an express trip to Rabat on Monday, April 22. The kingdom thus joined the list of around 50 countries that have already agreed to support France, notably by sending law enforcement officers. A total of 2,500 foreign police and armed forces personnel are expected to be deployed in France before and during the competitions.

In a statement posted on X, the French interior minister thanked his Moroccan counterpart, Abdelouafi Laftit, "for the action of his services and for the cooperation between our two countries: security, the fight against terrorism, civil security and assistance for the Olympic Games in Paris." In a statement, the Moroccan interior ministry confirmed that "operational and logistical support in the context of preparations" for the event had already been arranged.

Accompanied by France's law enforcement agency heads, the French interior minister outlined the details of his country's request: The deployment of Moroccan police officers, who will patrol alongside their French counterparts; as well as bomb disposal officers, in order to double that capacity at the sites where the Games will be held. The city of Saint-Etienne, where the Moroccan under-23 (U23) football team will be playing, is particularly concerned.

There has been no word yet on the size of the Moroccan police and bomb disposal contingent. According to Le Monde's information, Morocco's response should become known in a few days' time.

The thorny issue of "consular passes," which are essential for carrying out deportations from French territory, was also raised by the director general for foreigners in France, Eric Jalon, who was present alongside the French interior minister. In September 2021, these passes had been key to President Emmanuel Macron's decision to reduce the number of visas granted to Morocco, as well as Algeria and Tunisia. The president had criticized these three countries for refusing to issue these important documents.

The situation seems to have finally been resolved. "Cooperation with regard to OQTFs [official obligations to leave the French territory] has resumed, and many consular passes are being issued by the Moroccan authorities," said Darmanin, adding: "On this point, as with visas, the two countries' administrations, which had not convened for two years, are due to meet again very soon."

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