Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s minister of foreign affairs, African cooperation, and Moroccans abroad, outlined on Tuesday in El Jadida the royal vision of King Mohammed VI for addressing security challenges across Africa while supporting the continent’s development and prosperity.
Speaking at the opening session of the 5th High-Level Meeting of heads of counterterrorism 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 analysed the current regional security landscape.
Bourita highlighted several worrying developments, including:
- The expansion and regionalisation of terrorism on the continent.
- The proliferation of armed conflicts.
- The tight link between terrorist groups, separatist movements, and transnational crime.
- Emerging challenges from technological transformations and artificial intelligence.
Faced with this scenario, the minister stressed that the royal vision provides a comprehensive framework for understanding African realities, recalling that the King’s policy toward the region is fundamentally one of belonging. He stated 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 also noted that Morocco’s action is based on the conviction that the continent’s development, stability, and security are intimately tied to those of the country itself. He affirmed that Morocco’s commitment to counterterrorism is not optional but stems from a historical responsibility toward the security of its environment.
The minister further emphasised the principle of Afro-optimism guiding the country’s action. Despite security challenges, Morocco sees Africa as the continent of the future, convinced it possesses the resources, means, and ingenuity to overcome its challenges.
About the Marrakech Platform
Launched in 2022, this initiative brings together heads of African security agencies and international partners to strengthen cooperation against common threats.
This new edition follows previous meetings held 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.
