The U.S. Department of State has commended Morocco’s comprehensive approach to combating terrorism and violent extremism, emphasizing the country’s commitment to regional and international cooperation to address this global threat and its extremist ideologies.
In its annual Country Reports on Terrorism, released Thursday, the State Department noted that “the United States and Morocco share a long history of robust counterterrorism cooperation. Morocco has maintained a comprehensive strategy encompassing security vigilance, regional and international collaboration, and policies aimed at countering extremism.”
The report highlighted that Morocco’s counterterrorism efforts prioritize economic and human development alongside combating extremism, which significantly reduced the threat of terrorism throughout 2023.
Moroccan security forces, under the coordination of the Ministry of Interior, arrested at least 56 individuals in 2023. Among them, 40 were operating independently, while 16 were linked to six distinct terrorist cells. The State Department emphasized the role of Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), operating under the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance, in leveraging intelligence, policing, and international cooperation to execute counterterrorism operations.
The report outlined Morocco’s participation in U.S.-sponsored programs aimed at enhancing technical and investigative capabilities. These programs focus on financial investigations, intelligence analysis, forensics, aviation security, and cybersecurity. The State Department also praised Morocco’s airport authorities for their advanced ability to detect forged documents, underscoring the nation’s prioritization of border security.
On countering terrorism financing, Morocco’s membership in the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) and the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units was noted. In February 2023, Morocco was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list, reflecting significant reforms, including risk-based monitoring and effective sanctions for noncompliance.
Morocco’s active role in the Global Coalition Against Daesh and its co-chairmanship of the Africa Focus Group were also highlighted. Additionally, the report recognized Morocco’s partnership with the European Union to launch an initiative in 2023 under the Global Counterterrorism Forum, focusing on education to prevent and combat violent extremism.
Morocco’s comprehensive strategy against violent extremism includes promoting economic and human development while overseeing the religious sphere. The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has implemented educational programs benefiting nearly 50,000 imams and female religious guides.
The Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, based in Rabat, trains clerics from Morocco and West Africa, contributing to regional stability. Moreover, the Mohammedan League of Religious Scholars actively counters extremist ideologies through academic research, curriculum reviews, and youth outreach programs addressing social and religious issues.
Since 2017, approximately 300 prison inmates have participated in the “Moussalaha” (Reconciliation) program, which focuses on de-radicalization and reintegration. The initiative is overseen by Morocco’s General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration in collaboration with various government sectors.
The report underscores Morocco’s continued leadership in addressing terrorism and extremism through a holistic approach that integrates security measures, regional partnerships, and socio-economic development.
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