Fez hosts high-level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting

Fez is hosting the 3rd edition of the high-level meeting of Heads of Counter-Terrorism and Security Agencies in Africa, known as the “Marrakech Platform”, marked by the participation of nearly sixty delegations.

Speaking at the opening Tuesday of the twoof the meeting, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita emphasized that the Marrakech Platform corresponds perfectly to the enlightened vision of King Mohammed VI, in terms of African cooperation, based on the principles of African belonging, Africa’s ability to find solutions to its own challenges, and taking initiatives in this direction.

He also highlighted the King’s vision in matters of African cooperation and multilateral partnership in the fight against terrorism.

In this connection, he referred to the evolution of the terrorist threat in Africa, warning that 60% of the world’s victims of terrorism were in sub-Saharan Africa, and that West Africa alone saw more than 1,800 terrorist attacks in the first six months of last year.

The Minister also commended the constant and positive evolution of the Marrakech Platform, both in terms of substance and participation, which reached, at the 3rd edition held in Fez, nearly sixty delegations representing UN member states, including African states and the Continent’s partners, as well as regional and international organizations.

While praising the efforts made by African states to combat the terrorist threat, the Moroccan official called for more attention to be paid to the use of new technologies, notably Artificial Intelligence and drones.

Bourita praised the strategic partnership developed between Morocco and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), and the many initiatives put in place to support African states in their fight against the terrorist threat.

In this context, he highlighted the role played by the UNOCT Office for the Africa Region, established in Rabat in 2021, and its significant contribution to strengthening the national counter-terrorism capacities of African States, notably by providing training for over 1,500 law enforcement officers from some thirty African countries.

Morocco launched the “Marrakech Platform for Heads of African Security and Counter-Terrorism Agencies” in 2022, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Combating Terrorism (UNOCT).