Ambassador Omar Hilale, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, outlined on Tuesday the key pillars of Morocco’s counter-terrorism strategy under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, particularly in Africa, Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP) said.
Speaking during a public debate organized by Algeria, which presides over the UN Security Council during January, Hilale highlighted Morocco’s comprehensive and proactive approach to counter-terrorism, rooted in the principles of development and security.
Hilale outlined Morocco’s counter-terrorism approach, emphasizing four main components: strengthening security and legal frameworks to enhance safety and law enforcement; fostering economic and human development to promote stability through growth; preserving religious identity by encouraging moderate Islam rooted in coexistence and peace; and fostering regional and international cooperation to build effective partnerships for shared security.
He emphasized Morocco’s efforts in promoting moderate Islam through initiatives like the Mohammed VI Foundation for African Ulema and the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Morchidines, and Morchidates.
These institutions train religious leaders from Africa, Europe, and Asia, with over 3,000 participants from Africa alone since 2015. Recently, 100 imams from Mali graduated from the institute.
Amid his comments, Hilale raised concerns about the growing link between separatist movements, terrorism, and cross-border crime. He condemned collaborations between separatists and terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, warning of their destabilizing effects on African nations’ territorial integrity and development.
Highlighting Morocco’s cooperation with the UN, Hilale mentioned the establishment of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office Program in Rabat, the first of its kind in Africa. Since its inception in 2021, this program has trained over 2,000 personnel from 38 African countries.
Additionally, he noted Morocco’s role in the Marrakech Platform, which gathers African security leaders to enhance counter-terrorism measures.
Hilale stressed that counter-terrorism efforts must extend beyond security measures. A comprehensive strategy that includes human rights protection, the promotion of peace, and international partnerships is essential to address the root causes of terrorism and its lasting impacts.
By combining proactive measures and collaborative initiatives, Morocco exemplifies a model for addressing terrorism in Africa and beyond.