The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, emphasized the Royal Vision on African cooperation and multilateral partnership in combating terrorism during the 3rd High-Level Meeting of Heads of Counter-Terrorism and Security Agencies in Africa, known as the "Marrakech Platform," held on Tuesday in Fez.
In a speech delivered at the opening of the high-level meeting of Heads of Counter-Terrorism and Security Agencies in Africa, Nasser Bourita highlighted that the Marrakech Platform aligns perfectly with the enlightened Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI regarding African cooperation, based on the principles of African belonging, Africa's ability to find solutions to its own challenges, and the initiation of initiatives in this regard.
Addressing the evolving terrorist threat in Africa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates warned that 60% of the world's terrorism victims were in sub-Saharan Africa and that West Africa alone experienced more than 1,800 terrorist attacks in the first six months of last year.
Bourita also praised the constant and positive development of the Marrakech Platform, both in terms of substance and participation, which reached nearly sixty delegations representing UN member states, including African states and continental partners, as well as regional and international organizations during the 3rd edition organized in Fez.
While commending the efforts made by African states to combat the terrorist threat, the minister called for greater focus on the use of new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and drones.
Finally, the minister praised the strategic partnership developed between Morocco and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the numerous initiatives undertaken 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 2021 in Rabat, and its significant contribution to strengthening the national capacities of African states in combating terrorism, notably by providing training to over 1,500 law enforcement officers from around thirty African countries.
