Rabat – Nicolas Lerner, head of France’s General Directorate for External Security (DGSE) has renewed concerns about a critical situation regarding the growing terrorism threats in Africa, particularly the Sahel.
In an interview with Le Figaro, Lerner described Africa as the “epicenter of global jihadism” for several reasons, emphasizing that the continent is the hub for the majority of terrorist attacks.
He notably emphasized how the propaganda of al-Qaeda and ISIS is expanding across the continent, where most victims of terrorism are African citizens.
“Finally, in recent years, African jihadists have been taking on increasing responsibilities within what remains of their central organizations, which were long dominated by me from Syria, Iraq, or the Gulf countries,” he added.
For Lerner, the situation is worrying on multiple levels, including in the Sahel.
Lerner regretted France’s departure from Sahel, suggesting that the objective of the French troops’ operation was to prevent the establishment of a territorial caliphate.
“When we left, and even though the fight against terrorist groups continued, that objective had been achieved,” he said, stating that terrorist groups now enjoy “greater freedom of action.”
The intelligence chief during the interview did not miss recalling Morocco’s active role in combating organized crime, including terrorism.
He mentioned a trend that is drawing security services’ attention, including the “departure of French-speaking Maghreb jihadists who are traveling to join terrorist organizations on the continent.”
He said France, together with partners, including Morocco, is monitoring the situation.
Speaking on Morocco’s counterterrorism approach, he commended the country’s strategy as extremely effective and valuable.
Lerner said Moroccan security services are essential partners in counterterrorism.
The French official’s remarks echo Morocco’s sentiment, which consistently shares concerns about the situation in Africa, particularly the Sahel.
Last year in June, Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita warned that 60% of the world’s terrorist victims have been in sub-Saharan Africa and West Africa. He added that West Africa alone experienced more than 1,800 terrorist attacks in the first six months of last year.
Morocco has long emphasized its determination to continue to support international efforts to tackle terrorism threats in the region, calling for a shared responsibility to end the issue.
