1. about the marrakech platform

In El Jadida this Tuesday, Nasser Bourita, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, articulated King Mohammed VI’s strategic vision for addressing Africa’s security threats and championing the continent’s progress towards development and prosperity. 

During his address at the inaugural session of the 5th High-Level Meeting of Heads of Counter-Terrorism and Security Agencies in Africa, held under the umbrella of the Marrakech Platform and co-chaired by Morocco and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, the minister provided a comprehensive analysis of the current regional security landscape. 

Bourita highlighted several alarming developments, notably including: 

• The increasing spread and regionalization of terrorism across the African continent. 
• A significant rise in the number of armed conflicts. 
• The intricate connections between terrorist organizations, separatist movements, and various forms of transnational crime.  
• New challenges emerging from rapid technological advancements, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. 

In light of this complex situation, the minister underscored that the Royal Vision provides a holistic framework for comprehending Africa’s realities, reiterating that King Mohammed VI’s policy towards the region is fundamentally rooted in a sense of belonging. He clarified that for Morocco, Africa is not merely a neighboring landmass or a diplomatic choice, but an intrinsic reality to which the nation is bound geographically, culturally, politically, institutionally, and historically. 

Furthermore, Bourita stressed that Morocco’s engagement is predicated on the firm conviction that the continent’s progress, stability, and security are inextricably linked to its own. Consequently, he asserted that Morocco’s commitment to counter-terrorism is not a discretionary choice but a historical obligation towards safeguarding the security of its broader environment. 

The minister also highlighted the guiding principle of Afro-optimism that steers the nation’s actions. He emphasized that despite prevalent security challenges, Morocco perceives Africa as the continent of the future, confident in its inherent resources, capabilities, and ingenuity to overcome any obstacles. 

about the marrakech platform

Established in 2022, this pivotal initiative convenes leaders of African security agencies alongside international partners, aiming to bolster cooperation in confronting shared threats. 

This latest edition builds upon the success of previous gatherings held in Marrakech (2022), Tangier (2023), Fès (2024), and Agadir (2025), thereby cementing this forum’s role as an indispensable platform for sharing expertise and enhancing capabilities across the continent.