Rabat – Tom Sanderson, an American expert on geopolitics and terrorism, praised Morocco’s approach in dealing with terrorist threats, highlighting the country’s cooperation with the US and other allies.
Speaking to Morocco’s News Agency (MAP), Sanderson said that Morocco approaches counterterrorism and counter-radicalization “in a more comprehensive manner than most countries.”
The expert said the North African country combines security measures, international partnerships, and counter-violent extremism (CVE) programs to address radicalization at the root of its socioeconomic causes.
“This multi-sector strategy is essential to eroding the appeal of violent extremist ideologies and has resulted in a low number of terrorist incidents over the past several years in Morocco,” Sanderson said. Highlighting the role of the Mohammed VI Institute which trains imams across West Africa.
He also lauded Morocco’s partnership with the US on counterterrorism, describing it as a relationship built on respect and trust, information sharing, and skill.
Earlier this year, the US State Department’s Country Terrorism Report 2021 said the two countries have a long history of strong cooperation in the field, similarly calling to attention Morocco’s “comprehensive” strategy.
In 2021, the North African country arrested at least 55 individuals for alleged involvement in terrorism cells.
The expert continued by lauding Morocco’s role in multilateral bodies dedicated to counterterrorism, pointing to the country’s position as co-chair of the Africa Focus Group in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
“Morocco plays a broader role in countering violent extremism by serving as a political, cultural, and geographic bridge between North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East,” he added.
Regarding the US, Sanderson described how the country “benefits from Morocco’s position as one of the world’s true pivot points in counterterrorism and CVE.”
