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Rabat – The Arab League summit has stressed the importance of Morocco’s counterterrorism approach, calling on Arab states to benefit from the country’s expertise in the security field.
The Arab League recalled the Mohammed VI Foundation for African Scholars and the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams and their pioneering role in countering extremism.
Morocco created the Mohammed VI Institute for Training Imams, Morchidines and Morchidates, and the Mohammed VI Foundation for African Ulema, in 2015. The two institutions are dedicated to supporting African theologians and scholars to promote religious tolerance.
Morocco has been intensifying efforts to counter terrorism through different initiatives, including the “Moussalaha” (reconciliation) program.
Through the program, Morocco has mobilized authorities from the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs and members of religious councils to visit inmates arrested for their involvement in terrorism related charges.
In addition, the Arab leaders welcomed Morocco’s hosting of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism and Training Program’s Africa office.
The inauguration of the center took place in June in 2021. The center works on developing and implementing approved programs aimed primarily at strengthening capabilities and skills in the field of combating terrorism.
Read also: US Expert: Morocco’s Counter-terrorism Initiatives Are ‘More Extensive’ Than US, EU
Morocco’s counterterrorism approach made international headlines, with several reports emphasizing the pioneering role of the North African country in combating extremism.
All of Morocco’s security units work together as part of the country’s terrorism approach.
In 2015, Morocco introduced a specialized counterterrorism unit working under the General Directorate of Morocco’s Territorial Surveillance (DGST). The unit, the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), works alongside security services in the country as well as with international intelligence to identify and dismantle terrorist networks.
Since 2002, Morocco thwarted over 500 terrorist plots. Until 2021, the North African country also dismantled 214 terrorist cells and brought 4,304 suspects to court. Around 88% of the dismantled cells were affiliated with ISIS.
The latest Global Terrorism Index 2022 ranked Morocco among the world’s safest nations.
