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Rabat – The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) hailed on Monday its “ongoing partnership” with Morocco in strengthening regional security and counter-terrorism capabilities across Africa.
The statement came as the organization marked the fifth anniversary of its Rabat-based Programme Office for Counter-Terrorism and Training in Africa.
In a statement commemorating the anniversary, the UN body said the occasion “testifies to the continued partnership between UNOCT and Morocco in reinforcing regional security and counter-terrorism capacity on the African continent.”
A regional hub for counter-terrorism training
Since its establishment on October 6, 2020, the Rabat office has delivered tailored counter-terrorism training to over 1,000 officials from 34 African member states.
According to the UNOCT, the program has played a vital role in enhancing national expertise, fostering knowledge exchange, and promoting best practices in the field.
The Rabat-based center has also facilitated regional cooperation through initiatives such as the Marrakech Platform, a high-level meeting of heads of African counter-terrorism agencies, held four times since the program’s inception.
Strengthening cooperation and long-term impact
The office has become a cornerstone in the UN’s strategy for sustainable and coordinated counter-terrorism efforts in Africa.
Through close collaboration with UN entities and international partners, it aims to ensure effective, long-lasting results in line with the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
UNOCT said that the Rabat office contributes significantly to strengthening African states’ institutional and operational capacities, supporting the design of national counter-terrorism programs, and providing specialized training to law enforcement and intelligence officials.
Morocco’s strategic role
Morocco’s partnership with the UN in counter-terrorism reflects its growing role as a security and training hub in Africa. The establishment of the UNOCT Programme Office in Rabat, the first of its kind on the continent, followed a 2020 headquarters agreement signed between Morocco and the UN, reinforcing the country’s position as a key player in regional peace and stability.
The Rabat office’s work aligns with Morocco’s broader efforts to promote international cooperation and capacity building in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, depicting its commitment to security-based multilateralism in Africa.
