Bourita outlines Mohammed VI’s vision to tackle terrorist and security threats across Africa
Morocco’s foreign minister reaffirmed his country’s commitment to stability and ‘afro-optimism’ in the face of continental challenges during the Marrakech Platform.
Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita, on Tuesday in El Jadida outlined the vision of King Mohammed VI for addressing security threats in Africa and supporting the continent’s momentum towards 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 within the framework of 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 increase in armed conflicts.
- The close links between terrorist groups, separatist movements and transnational crime.
- Emerging challenges related to technological transformations and artificial intelligence.
Faced with this scenario, the minister stressed that the royal vision provides a comprehensive framework for understanding African realities, noting that the King’s policy towards the region is first and foremost a policy 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, identity-wise, politically, institutionally and historically.
Similarly, Bourita emphasised that Morocco’s action is based on the conviction that the continent’s development, stability and security are intrinsically linked to those of the country itself. Consequently, he stated that Morocco’s commitment to counterterrorism is not optional but responds to a historical responsibility towards the security of its environment.
The minister also highlighted the principle of afro-optimism that guides the country’s action. He stressed that despite security challenges, Morocco views Africa as the continent of the future, convinced that it has the resources, means and ingenuity to overcome its challenges.
About the Marrakech Platform
Launched in 2022, this initiative brings together the heads of African security agencies, alongside international partners, with the aim of strengthening cooperation against shared threats.
This new edition follows previous gatherings held in Marrakech (2022), Tangier (2023), Fes (2024) and Agadir (2025), consolidating this forum as a key event for exchanging experiences and building capacities on the continent.
