Morocco’s foreign minister outlines king Mohammed VI’s strategy for security in Africa

During the Marrakech Platform, the Moroccan minister highlighted his nation’s dedication to regional stability and a philosophy of “afro-optimism” to navigate continental hurdles.

In El Jadida, Nasser Bourita, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, presented the comprehensive vision of King Mohammed VI. This strategy aims to neutralize security threats across the continent while simultaneously supporting Africa in its pursuit of sustainable growth and prosperity.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the 5th High-Level Meeting for heads of counter-terrorism and security agencies in Africa, Bourita provided a detailed analysis of the current regional security landscape. This summit, hosted under the umbrella of the Marrakech Platform, was co-organized by Morocco and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.

Bourita identified several alarming trends that require immediate attention:

  • The expansion and regionalization of terrorist activities throughout the continent.
  • The surge in local armed conflicts.
  • The growing synergy between terrorist cells, separatist movements, and organized transnational crime.
  • New threats arising from technological advancements and the integration of artificial intelligence into hostile operations.

To counter these issues, the minister emphasized that the Royal Vision provides a holistic framework for understanding African realities. He noted that King Mohammed VI‘s policy is rooted in a deep sense of belonging. For Morocco, Africa is not merely a neighboring region or a diplomatic choice; it is a fundamental part of the nation’s identity, geography, and history.

Furthermore, Bourita argued that Morocco operates on the firm belief that the continent’s development and stability are inseparable from its own. Consequently, the kingdom’s active participation in counter-terrorism efforts is viewed as a historical obligation to ensure the safety of its surrounding environment.

The minister also championed the concept of “afro-optimism.” He asserted that despite significant security obstacles, Morocco views Africa as the continent of the future, possessing the ingenuity and resources required to overcome its current difficulties.

The significance of the Marrakech Platform

Established in 2022, this initiative serves as a vital gathering for the heads of African security agencies and international partners. Its primary goal is to foster deeper cooperation in the face of shared dangers.

This latest session continues the momentum of previous high-level dialogues held in Marrakech (2022), Tangier (2023), Fez (2024), and Agadir (2025). These meetings have successfully established the forum as a premier venue for exchanging expertise and building security capacity across Africa.