Rabat – Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita renewed on December 2 the country’s commitment to combating terrorist groups in Africa, during the meeting of the Global Coalition Against Daesh. The event saw the launch of an African think tank co-chaired by Morocco, Niger, Italy and the US.
Bourita has expressed concerns regarding the expansion of terrorists in Africa, calling for the need to face the “growing” threat of terror threats on the continent, Bourita said.
“27 terrorist entities based in Africa are now on the UN Security Council sanctions list as terrorist groups, responsible for the deaths of 12,500 people in 2020,” Bourita added.
He argued that the launch of the new think tank is “more relevant than ever” to improve the security and stability in the continent.
The minister stressed that “we have noticed the rise of the use of drones for offensive purposes, as well as emerging technologies to conduct their [terrorist] operations and ensure their financing through crypto-currencies.”
The ongoing terrorist attacks in the Sahel and West Africa are very alarming, with a total of 7,108 terrorist attacks in 2020, with more than 1.4 million displaced due to increasing clashes in the region.
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Bourita also expressed concerns over the growing rate of terrorism in Central and East Africa, highlighting that extremist groups “try to challenge states and endanger their territorial unity and stability.”
Speaking of the economic impact of terrorism on the African continent over the past decade, Bourita stated it has reached an estimated $171 billion.
Bourita shed light on Morocco’s engagement to fight terrorism in Africa alongside several countries and institutions, including the UN within the framework of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum and the Global Coalition against Daesh.
“Based on the country’s experience and commitment, it has volunteered to co-chair this Africa Think Tank with Italy, Niger and the US,” he said.
Bourita stressed that “we have high hopes for the work of the Africa Think Tank as a platform to exchange views, discuss future prospects to reach a common understanding of threats and specific strategies related to Daesh on the continent.”
He also anticipates that the think tank can equip African countries with the means to fight against terrorist attacks, highlighting key areas that should be considered as priorities such as border security management, strategic and operational cooperation, and capacity building.
He concluded his speech by announcing that Morocco is set to host the ministerial meeting of the Coalition against Daesh next spring.
