Us ambassador in Rabat honors saharan leaders at independence celebration
U.S. Ambassador to Rabat expresses honor in hosting Saharawi leaders
“We are grateful to our partners from Laâyoune and Dakhla for attending the ceremony marking the 250th anniversary of American independence,” stated Richard Duke Buchan III in a social media post on the evening of June 11, 2026.
From left to right: Richard Duke Buchan III, Sidi Hamdi Oild Errechid, Ynja El Khattat and Moulay Hamdi Old Errechid in Rabat.
The ambassador’s message was accompanied by a photograph showing him with Moulay Hamdi Old Errechid, Mayor of Laâyoune, Ynja El Khattat, President of the Dakhla Oued Eddahab Regional Council, and Sidi Hamdi Oild Errechid, President of the Laayoune Sakia El Hamra region.
On June 9, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Rabat organized a major ceremony at the Chellah site, attended by Moroccan and foreign dignitaries. During his speech, Ambassador Buchan highlighted the significance of Morocco’s Sahara: “We support His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s vision of transforming the Sahara into a hub for transatlantic partnerships and opportunities.”
He emphasized the deep historical ties between Morocco and the United States: “This partnership, rooted in history and strengthened by mutual trust, looks toward the next 250 years—reinforcing economic and human connections between our peoples.”
