Morocco calls for close monitoring of terrorist groups in Africa
Morocco has called for a close monitoring of terrorist groups in Africa, warning that these groups have shown inclination to cooperate with organized crime networks and separatist groups on the continent.
The call was launched by Moroccan Foreign Minister at the opening Monday of the ministerial meeting of the global coalition against Daesh held in Rome.
Terror groups on the African continent have shown inclination to cooperate with organized crime networks and separatist groups, a trend that “must be carefully monitored because it deeply penetrates local populations and exploits porous borders to move freely and recruit fighters,” Bourita said.
He pointed out that in less than six years, terrorist attacks in Africa have increased from 381 in 2015 to 7,108 in 2020, while the number of victims increased ninefold, from 1,394 deaths to 12,519.
“A quarter of the world’s terrorist violence takes place in Africa, with terrorist groups active in half of African countries,” the minister explained.
Emphasizing the imperative necessity to maintain maximum pressure on terrorist entities, Bourita welcomed the Coalition’s support to the countries of the region in two key areas, namely in the collection and protection of evidence from the battlefield, and in ensuring the necessary comprehensive border security.
“We remain ready to support these efforts and share our experience, especially in security and border management,” he said.
Stressing the importance of devoting as much effort to counter the radical discourse of Daesh, which fuels recruitment around the world, Bourita expressed Morocco’s commitment “to contribute to this endeavor with its singular experience.”
Bourita who stressed the importance of engaging African partners in the fight against the scourge of terrorism, noted that “African partners are indeed best placed to know the threat in their respective regions and the capabilities that must be strengthened, to ensure a lasting defeat of Daesh.
