Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS warns of collusion between separatist movements, such as the Polisario, and terrorist groups

The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS wrapped up its ministerial meeting in Marrakech with a strong statement triggering the alarm bell on the connivance between separatist movements, such as the Polisario, and terrorist groups in Africa, like AQIM, Boko Haram,  where they take advantage of state vulnerabilities.

 

 

In a closing statement, the Coalition said they are concerned at the proliferation of separatist movements in Africa which causes destabilization and state fragility “which in turn is favorable for ISIS and other terrorist” organizations.

The coalition called for reinforcing the capacities of African states to deal with the terrorist threat as well as the surge of malignant non-state actors including separatist groups.

The call vindicates Morocco’s advocacy to foster multilateral cooperation to counter the surge of separatism.

In his opening remarks, Morocco’s foreign minister said terrorism and separatism are two sides of the same coin.

He said the countries that back separatism are actually creating conditions for the spread of terrorism in Africa and beyond.

Morocco spoke up for Africa and expressed readiness to share its counter-terrorism experience with African countries.