Morocco opens continental security center to coordinate policing during 2025 AFCON

Morocco’s Interior Ministry said on Monday it has established an African Police Cooperation Center to coordinate regional security efforts during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The new center, which will include representatives from the security services of all participating countries, is designed to facilitate real-time information sharing and assess potential risks linked to matches throughout the tournament. 

The ministry said the goal is to ensure smooth coordination between national and foreign security agencies and to prevent incidents of violence or disorder in and around stadiums.

The move is part of a broader plan to align Morocco’s sports infrastructure and security systems with international standards, according to the ministry’s 2025 annual report. 

The government also intends to hold regional conferences in April across the seven cities hosting national league clubs to promote positive fan behavior and strengthen the culture of fair play.

Earlier this year, the ministry hosted two joint workshops with British security experts focused on crowd management, risk analysis, and stadium safety, as part of preparations for Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

The same report highlighted Morocco’s continuing counterterrorism efforts, noting that since 2002, security services have dismantled more than 200 extremist cells, including three in 2025. 

Another five were broken up in 2024, with investigations showing links between their members and armed groups operating in the Sahel region.

Authorities said the threat from ISIS affiliates in Africa remains active, prompting Morocco to intensify intelligence-sharing and cooperation with regional and international partners.

The ministry cited Morocco’s participation in global forums such as Interpol, the Global Counterterrorism Forum, and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism as key to thwarting attacks and reinforcing regional stability.