EL JADIDA, Morocco – Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, has outlined the vision of Mohammed VI for addressing Africa’s growing security challenges, stressing that stability and security are essential foundations for the continent’s development and prosperity.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh-websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Speaking Tuesday at the opening of the 5th High-Level Meeting of Heads of Counter-Terrorism and Security Agencies in Africa in El Jadida, Bourita highlighted several alarming trends affecting the continent, including the expansion and regionalization of terrorism, the proliferation of armed conflicts, the growing links between terrorist groups, separatist movements and transnational crime networks, as well as emerging threats associated with technological advances and artificial intelligence.
The meeting was organized under the framework of the Marrakech Platform and co-chaired by Morocco and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.
Addressing participants, Bourita said the Royal Vision provides a comprehensive framework for understanding Africa’s realities and tackling the continent’s challenges.
He noted that King Mohammed VI’s African policy is rooted in a deep sense of belonging.
“For Morocco, Africa is not merely a neighboring continent, nor just one diplomatic option among others, but a continent to which the Kingdom belongs geographically, in terms of identity, politically, institutionally and historically,” Bourita stated.
The minister emphasized that Morocco’s engagement in Africa is guided by the belief that the continent’s development, stability and security are inseparable from Morocco’s own future.
“In accordance with His Majesty the King’s enlightened Vision, the Kingdom’s actions in Africa are based on the conviction that the continent’s development, stability, and security are intimately linked to those of Morocco,” Bourita pointed out, adding that Morocco’s commitment to combating terrorism in Africa “is not a choice, but stems from the responsibility of a country dedicated to its continent’s safety.”
Bourita also underscored the importance of a holistic approach to counter-terrorism, noting that King Mohammed VI has consistently advocated responses that go beyond security measures alone.
He said efforts to combat terrorism must also address religious, economic and social dimensions in order to tackle the root causes of extremism.
The foreign minister further praised the achievements of the Marrakech Platform as it marks its fifth anniversary this year, describing it as a leading framework for dialogue and cooperation on counter-terrorism issues across Africa.
He also commended the continued commitment of UNOCT, saying it reflects the strong, structured and forward-looking partnership between Morocco and the UN office.
Concluding his remarks, Bourita stressed that stability remains the starting point for development and democracy. He called for Africa to play a greater role in shaping global counter-terrorism policies, particularly the ongoing efforts to update the United Nations counter-terrorism strategy.
“If Africa is today the epicenter of global terrorism, it must be at the heart of this strategy,” he said.
Launched in 2022, the Marrakech Platform brings together heads of African counter-terrorism and security agencies, representatives of partner countries, and regional and international organizations to strengthen cooperation and coordination in addressing the continent’s evolving security challenges.
