Speaking on the sidelines of the 9th edition of the African Peace and Security Annual Conference (APSACO), held in Rabat on June 19–20, 2025 and organized by the Policy Center for the New South, Mehdi Benomar issued a clear warning in light of the ongoing geopolitical upheavals around the world. For the Head of Research and International Relations at PCNS, Africa must absolutely shield itself from the spillover effects of external conflicts and crises that threaten its stability.
According to Mehdi Benomar, African resilience depends on collective and proactive vigilance. “There is no question that our continent should become a battleground for chaos originating elsewhere,” he stated. In this regard, he advocates for the creation of an early warning mechanism, led at the continental level, to identify emerging threats upstream and respond to them in a coordinated manner.
Mehdi Benomar also emphasized the urgent need for Africa to adopt a strategic vision grounded in unity and cooperation. He stressed that only a constructive pan-African approach can sustainably anchor security across the continent, especially at a time when international tensions are exacerbating local vulnerabilities.
To illustrate this ambition, The Head of Research and International Relations at the Policy Center for the New South cited the Atlantic Initiative launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI as a concrete and structuring action. According to him, this initiative “meets the legitimate aspirations of African youth, who seek stability, economic prospects, and recognition.” Without security, he warned, the future of this youth is at risk of being swept away by despair, forced migration, or radicalization.
In a world undergoing profound transformation, Mehdi Benomar called on African actors to build a common project, supported by active diplomacy, strong institutions, and effective preventive mechanisms. Only at this price, he concluded, will Africa be able to withstand external turbulence and forge its own
