Bourita outlines Mohammed VI’s vision to counter terror and security threats across Africa
Bourita outlines Mohammed VI’s vision to counter terror and security threats across Africa
Morocco’s foreign minister reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to stability and ‘afro-optimism’ in the face of continental challenges during the Marrakech Platform.
On Tuesday in El Jadida, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, laid out King Mohammed VI’s vision for tackling security threats in Africa and supporting the continent’s momentum toward development and prosperity.
Speaking at the opening session of the 5th High-Level Meeting of Heads of Security and Counter-Terrorism Agencies in Africa — held under the Marrakech Platform and co-chaired by Morocco and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism — the minister analysed the current regional security landscape.
Bourita highlighted several worrying developments, including:
- The expansion and regionalisation of terrorism across the continent.
- The rise in armed conflicts.
- The close links between terrorist groups, separatist movements, and transnational crime.
- Emerging challenges from technological shifts and artificial intelligence.
Against this backdrop, the minister stressed that the Royal Vision provides a comprehensive framework for understanding African realities, noting that the King’s policy toward the region is above all one of belonging. In this regard, he clarified that for Morocco, Africa is neither a neighbouring continent nor a mere diplomatic option, but a reality to which the country belongs geographically, identifiably, politically, institutionally, and historically.
Bourita also emphasised that Morocco’s approach is rooted in the conviction that the continent’s development, stability, and security are intimately tied to its own. He stated that Morocco’s commitment to counterterrorism is not optional but a historical responsibility toward the security of its environment.
The minister further underscored the principle of afro-optimism guiding the country’s actions. Despite security challenges, Morocco views Africa as the continent of the future, convinced it has the resources, means, and ingenuity to overcome its difficulties.
About the Marrakech Platform
Launched in 2022, this initiative brings together heads of African security agencies along with international partners to strengthen cooperation against common threats.
This latest edition follows previous meetings in Marrakech (2022), Tangier (2023), Fes (2024), and Agadir (2025), cementing the forum as an essential gathering for exchanging experiences and building capacities across the continent.
