Morocco’s Hammouchi decorated by France
Relations are continuing to improve between Paris and Rabat, barely weeks after Emmanuel Macron indicated to Morocco that he was ready to accept the kingdom’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Abdellatif Hammouchi, the head of the General Directorate of National Security and the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance of Morocco (DGSN-DGST), was awarded the French Gold Class Order of Honor on August 21st, as reported by Middle East Online and agencies.
The decision to decorate Hammouchi was endorsed by the French Interior Minister, Gérald Darmanin, in recognition of his high efficiency and contribution to security cooperation between France and Morocco.
Hammouchi was accused of involvement in three complaints of torture in 2014, which caused a suspension of judicial cooperation between Morocco and France. Hammouchi still denies the allegations made against him.
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As compensation, France bestowed upon him the Legion of Honor a year later, a medal he must wear alongside those for police and Civil Guard merit, granted by successive Spanish Ministers of the Interior.
The award acknowledges Hammouchi’s notable career in security and defense, both domestically and internationally, attributed to Morocco’s strong partnerships in this sector with major global powers, including the United States, Germany, Spain, and France.
Morocco assisted France in counter-terrorism operations ahead of the Olympics in Paris. The kingdom is also a vital force in combating terrorist groups operating in North Africa and the Sahel region.
Middle East Online/agencies
