Driss Elkaissi has taken up his new role as chargé d'affaires at the Moroccan embassy in Moroni, Comoros. He arrived on the island nation on August 30, 2026, and assumed his duties on September 1, succeeding Driss Allaoui. Elkaissi brings 36 years of experience in Morocco's diplomatic service, having served in various countries across Africa, Europe, and Asia. His extensive background includes stints in Hungary, Russia, and Thailand.
Elkaissi holds a Master's degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Al Akhawayn in Ifrane, as well as a postgraduate diploma from the University of Poitiers in France and a degree in Economics from the University of Mohammed V in Rabat. Throughout his career, he has held various positions at Morocco's Foreign Affairs Ministry and in diplomatic missions. Prior to his appointment to Comoros, Elkaissi served as Consul General in Strasbourg, a position he held since September 2020.
In an interview with Al-Watwan, Elkaissi expressed his enthusiasm for representing Morocco in Comoros. He highlighted the historical ties between the two nations, citing the presence of Comorian personalities alongside Sultan Mohammed V during his exile in Madagascar. Elkaissi also noted that many Comorians have pursued their education in Morocco. He emphasized the need to promote mutual understanding and awareness between the two countries.
Elkaissi aims to consolidate relations between Morocco and Comoros, focusing on areas such as agriculture, tourism, and education. He plans to prioritize the implementation of existing agreements between the two nations and explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation. This includes promoting decentralized partnerships between Comorian islands and Moroccan regions to foster closer ties between local authorities and communities.
The diplomat identified agriculture as a key sector for cooperation, particularly in areas like sanitary control and food security. He also sees potential for collaboration in tourism, where Morocco can share its expertise in preserving cultural heritage and promoting local products. Furthermore, Elkaissi emphasized the importance of education and training in strengthening bilateral ties, with Morocco currently offering around 330 scholarships to Comorian students annually.
Elkaissi noted a shift in Comoros' requests for scholarships, with a greater emphasis on technical training to address the country's needs for engineers and specialized professionals. He expressed his commitment to adapting Morocco's cooperation efforts to meet these evolving needs. The chargé d'affaires also plans to facilitate more frequent exchanges between administrations and reduce constraints related to travel.
The upcoming second Comoro-Moroccan mixed commission will provide a platform to discuss and develop cooperation in various areas, including decentralized partnerships. Elkaissi's appointment is expected to reinvigorate bilateral relations, with a focus on practical initiatives and collaboration between institutions and civil society. His extensive experience and knowledge of Morocco's diplomatic efforts will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of Comoro-Moroccan relations.
Key points
- Driss Elkaissi assumes role of chargé d'affaires at Moroccan embassy in Moroni.
- Elkaissi aims to strengthen bilateral ties in agriculture, tourism, and education.
- Morocco currently offers around 330 scholarships to Comorian students annually.
