Only two African leaders—Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI—have been publicly named on United States President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza peace panel ahead of a planned signing ceremony in Davos. Their inclusion stands out amid a broader list of invitees largely drawn from North Africa and the wider Middle East.
The limited African representation underscores Washington’s strategic calculation, prioritising countries with direct stakes and established diplomatic influence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Egypt’s role is seen as indispensable, given its control of the Rafah border crossing and long-standing position as a mediator in ceasefire negotiations. Cairo has also been keen to prevent any spillover of instability into the Sinai Peninsula, making its participation critical to post-conflict arrangements.
Morocco’s invitation reflects its rising diplomatic profile on the global stage. Leveraging strong ties with the United States and Gulf allies, Rabat has positioned itself as an advocate for Palestinian interests while supporting reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The move also highlights Morocco’s broader ambition to play a more visible role in international peace initiatives.
For both Egypt and Morocco, the invitation represents a significant opportunity to shape post-conflict policy discussions and reinforce their geopolitical standing, as global attention turns to rebuilding and long-term stability in Gaza.
