During the fifth High-Level Meeting of Heads of African Counter-Terrorism and Security Agencies in El Jadida, Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI as a guiding framework for tackling the continent’s most pressing security threats.

The minister, speaking at the opening session of the Marrakech Security Platform—co-chaired by Morocco and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism—detailed the current regional security landscape, identifying several alarming trends:

• Expanding and increasingly interconnected terrorism across the continent
• Rising armed conflicts in multiple regions
• Deepening collaboration between terrorist networks, separatist movements, and transnational crime
• Emerging challenges from rapid technological change and artificial intelligence

In response to these challenges, Bourita emphasized that Morocco’s approach is rooted in a holistic vision that reflects the deep historical, geographical, and cultural ties binding the Kingdom to Africa. He stressed that for Morocco, Africa is not merely a neighbor but a fundamental part of its identity and strategic posture.

Bourita underscored that Morocco’s commitment to fighting terrorism is not a matter of choice but a historical responsibility. The Kingdom’s engagement stems from the conviction that the security and stability of Africa are intrinsically linked to its own.

Central to Morocco’s strategy is an afro-optimistic outlook. Despite the daunting security challenges, Bourita reaffirmed Morocco’s belief in Africa as a continent of immense potential. He highlighted the region’s resources, talent, and resilience as key assets in overcoming its obstacles.

Understanding the Marrakech Security Platform

The Marrakech Security Platform, launched in 2022, serves as a vital forum for African security leaders and international partners. Its mission is to strengthen cooperation against shared threats and foster sustainable security solutions.

This year’s meeting in El Jadida follows previous editions held in Marrakech (2022), Tangier (2023), Fes (2024), and Agadir (2025). The platform has evolved into a key event for exchanging best practices and enhancing regional security capacities.