Morocco, through its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, called for the adoption of an ambitious and determined African approach to counter-terrorism, one that is firmly centered on the dignity of victims, justice, and genuine collective responsibility.
Speaking at the opening of the first Conference on African Victims of Terrorism in Rabat, organized in partnership with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Bourita asserted that this continental meeting marks a crucial step in reshaping African strategies by placing survivors at the heart of public policies and collective efforts to combat violent extremism.
The Minister emphasized the need to recognize victims not merely as individuals requiring support, but as essential actors in prevention and resilience. He argued that survivors are capable of directly contributing to the development of more humane, effective, and locally grounded African responses.
Bourita highlighted the severe impact of terrorism on the continent, noting that Africa remains the most affected region globally, with a significant intensification of attacks, particularly across the Sahel and West Africa. This violence has caused thousands of victims, leading to mass displacement, school closures, the destruction of communities, and the erosion of social cohesion.
“Terrorism is not simply a passing event but rather a tearing of the social fabric, a weakening of local economies, and a systematic attempt to sow despair and erode the sense of security,” he stated, referring to the trauma inflicted on displaced communities, broken families, and young people deprived of a future.
The Minister indicated that the Kingdom’s response is guided by the Royal Vision, which employs an integrated national strategy based on three complementary pillars: Security Vigilance, Socio-economic Development, and Strengthening the Religious Sphere (rooted in the values of moderation and tolerance).
For the Minister, the core objective of the conference is to transform the recognition of victims into a concrete and structuring African commitment. He noted that the UNOCT Programme Office in Rabat is poised to play a vital role in regional training, technical assistance, and support for victims.
The opening session of the two-day meeting was attended by the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Head of UNOCT, Alexandre Zouev, several African ministers (particularly from Sahelian states), representatives of regional organizations, international experts, and African victims’ associations. Discussions focused on the essential role that survivors can play in resilience initiatives through their testimonies and participation in the reconstruction of affected communities.
AK/ac/fss/abj/APA