In a keynote address at the High-Level Meeting on Terrorism and Security in Africa in El Jadida, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita outlined the vision of King Mohammed VI for tackling the continent’s evolving security threats while fostering development and prosperity.

The meeting, part of the Marrakech Platform and co-chaired by Morocco and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, brought together security chiefs from across Africa to assess regional threats and strengthen collaborative responses.

Key security challenges in Africa

Bourita highlighted several pressing security concerns:

• Expansion and regionalization of terrorism across the continent.
• Rise in armed conflicts and their destabilizing effects.
• Growing ties between terrorist groups, separatist movements, and transnational crime.
• New challenges posed by technological advancements and artificial intelligence.

The minister emphasized that King Mohammed VI’s vision provides a comprehensive framework for addressing these realities, rooted in Morocco’s deep historical and geographical connection to Africa. He stressed that for Morocco, Africa is not just a neighbor or a diplomatic choice but an integral part of its identity, policy, and future.

Bourita underscored Morocco’s conviction that the continent’s stability and security are inseparable from its own. He described the country’s fight against terrorism as a historical responsibility, not an option, driven by its commitment to regional peace.

The minister also championed the principle of afro-optimism, positioning Africa as a continent of immense potential. Despite security challenges, he expressed confidence in Africa’s ability to harness its resources, innovation, and resilience to overcome obstacles and shape a prosperous future.

About the Marrakech Platform

Launched in 2022, the Marrakech Platform serves as a vital forum for African security leaders and international partners to exchange expertise and bolster cooperation against shared threats.

The initiative has grown into a recurring event, with editions held in Marrakech (2022), Tangier (2023), Fez (2024), and Agadir (2025). It has become a cornerstone for building capacity and fostering dialogue on security challenges across the continent.