Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita outlined the vision of King Mohammed VI to counter security threats in Africa during a high-level meeting in El Jadida. The address came on the second day of the Marrakech Platform, where African security chiefs and international partners gathered to discuss pressing regional challenges.

Speaking at the opening session of the 5th High-Level Meeting of Heads of Counter-Terrorism and Security Agencies in Africa—held under the framework of the Marrakech Platform and co-chaired by Morocco and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism—Bourita analyzed the current regional security landscape, highlighting key concerns that demand urgent action.

Key security challenges identified

• Rise of cross-border terrorism, with militant groups expanding their operational reach across multiple African nations.
• Increase in armed conflicts, fueled by political instability and socio-economic disparities.
• Alliances between terrorist factions, separatist movements, and transnational crime networks, creating a complex web of security threats.
• Emerging risks from rapid technological change, including the misuse of artificial intelligence and digital platforms by extremist groups.

In response, Bourita emphasized that King Mohammed VI’s vision provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing Africa’s security realities. He stressed that Morocco’s engagement is not merely diplomatic but rooted in a deep sense of belonging to the continent. For Morocco, Africa is not a neighboring region or a strategic choice—it is a geographical, cultural, political, and historical reality.

The minister underscored that Morocco’s counter-terrorism efforts are driven by a historical responsibility to protect its environment. He pointed out that the country’s actions are guided by the principle that the continent’s security, stability, and development are intrinsically linked to those of Morocco itself.

Bourita also highlighted the concept of afro-optimism, asserting that despite the challenges, Africa is the continent of the future. He expressed confidence in Africa’s capacity to overcome its difficulties, leveraging its resources, ingenuity, and collaborative spirit.

About the Marrakech Platform

Launched in 2022, the Marrakech Platform brings together heads of African security agencies and international partners to strengthen cooperation against shared threats. The initiative has become a vital forum for exchanging best practices and enhancing collective security capabilities.

This year’s meeting—held in El Jadida—follows previous editions in Marrakech (2022), Tangier (2023), Fes (2024), and Agadir (2025). These gatherings have established the platform as a key event for fostering dialogue and building resilience across the continent.