Bourita highlights Mohammed VI’s vision to counter terror and security threats in Africa
The Moroccan minister reaffirmed his country’s commitment to stability and ‘afro-optimism’ when facing the continent’s challenges, speaking at the Marrakech Platform.
Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, outlined on Tuesday in El Jadida the vision of King Mohammed VI for addressing security threats in Africa and supporting the continent’s momentum toward development and prosperity.
During his address at the opening session of the 5th High-Level Meeting of Heads of Counter-Terrorism and Security Agencies in Africa—held under the Marrakech Platform and co-chaired by Morocco and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism—the minister analyzed 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 ties between terrorist groups, separatist movements, and transnational crime.
- Emerging challenges linked to technological shifts and artificial intelligence.
In response to this scenario, the minister emphasised that the Royal Vision offers a comprehensive framework for understanding African realities, recalling that the King’s policy toward the region is fundamentally a policy of belonging. 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, identically, politically, institutionally, and historically.
Bourita further stressed that Morocco’s actions are grounded in the conviction that the development, stability, and security of the continent are intimately tied to those of the country itself. He asserted that Morocco’s engagement in counter-terrorism is not optional but stems from a historical responsibility toward the security of its environment.
The minister also highlighted the principle of afro-optimism that guides the country’s approach. He underscored that despite security challenges, Morocco sees Africa as the continent of the future, convinced that it possesses the resources, means, and ingenuity to overcome its obstacles.
About the Marrakech Platform
Launched in 2022, this initiative brings together the heads of African security agencies along with international partners to strengthen cooperation against common threats. This edition follows previous gatherings in Marrakech (2022), Tangier (2023), Fez (2024), and Agadir (2025), solidifying the forum as a key event for exchanging experiences and building capacity on the continent.
