Strengthening the UN's Counter-Terrorism Office in Morocco
On Tuesday, Alexander Zuev, the Acting Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, called for the enhancement of the UN's Counter-Terrorism and Training Office in Rabat, Morocco. Following discussions with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita during the fifth high-level meeting of African counter-terrorism and security agencies, known as the "Marrakech Platform," Zuev emphasized the commitment to bolster the functions of the office in Rabat. He indicated that further discussions would be held with the Moroccan government to explore ways to strengthen the capabilities of this office, which plays a pivotal role in implementing UN counter-terrorism programs across 46 African countries, representing the majority of the continent.
Furthermore, Zuev commended Morocco's contributions to enhancing regional security, particularly through the joint organization of the high-level meeting with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. He noted that this initiative serves as a crucial framework for African security and intelligence officials to exchange insights regarding the evolving nature of terrorist threats and their implications. Zuev also highlighted Morocco's significant role within the UN in combating terrorism, reminding attendees that the kingdom is currently co-facilitating the ninth review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which is set to be adopted by the end of June or early July.
In expressing his deep gratitude to the Moroccan authorities, particularly Minister Bourita, Zuev acknowledged the support provided to the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism at its headquarters in New York. It is noteworthy that the fifth high-level meeting of African counter-terrorism and security agencies, the "Marrakech Platform," commenced on Tuesday in El Jadida under the joint presidency of Morocco and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. This two-day event brings together approximately forty intelligence and security agencies from Africa, along with around forty delegations from the Middle East, Europe, America, and Asia serving as observers, as well as representatives from regional UN institutions.
This meeting is part of the continuity of previous sessions held in Marrakech (2022), Tangier (2023), Fez (2024), and Agadir (2025), which have solidified the platform's position as a fundamental venue for enhancing expertise exchange, fostering regional cooperation, and identifying capacity-building priorities in the fight against terrorism in Africa.
As reported by assahifa.com.
