Morocco’s Effective and Multidimensional Strategy to Combat Terrorism, thanks to the Vision of His Majesty the King
Alalam24, According to Gambian journalist Malik Jones, since the terrorist attacks on May 16, 2003 in Casablanca, the Kingdom of Morocco, thanks to the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, has developed an effective, multidimensional, and comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
Jones highlighted in an article titled “Morocco’s Strategy against Terrorism” that since these attacks, Morocco has taken a proactive approach to combat violent extremism, emphasizing the importance of prevention and strict adherence to the rule of law and human rights principles.
He said in the article, which was published in the Gambian newspaper (voicegambia.com), “This approach is based on several pillars, including religious reform, strengthening the rule of law, and international cooperation with foreign partners.”
Regarding the religious aspect, he explained that the policy of managing religious affairs in the Kingdom is based on the fact that the King is the Commander of the Faithful, pointing out that the natural result of this position is to preserve religious constants and protect the practice of religious rituals freely, according to the principles of moderate, tolerant, and open Sunni Islam.
He continued that the second pillar relates to the security and legal arsenal, which is based on prevention, vigilance, and monitoring in order to eliminate this scourge, which threatens not only Morocco but the entire Arab Maghreb region and the Sahel.
Jones emphasized that this proactive approach has made it possible to anticipate potential terrorist attacks and thwart several operations against the country’s security and stability. He considered that this national strategy has been implemented to enhance the security governance of the Kingdom, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, which enshrines the principles of democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.
In addition to that, the Gambian journalist stressed that preventing and combating violent extremism in Morocco also includes promoting comprehensive human development to create strong social safety nets to enhance the resilience of vulnerable groups and prevent the provision of a suitable environment for violent extremism.
In this regard, he pointed out that the National Initiative for Human Development, launched by His Majesty the King in 2005 to ensure a better distribution of the fruits of growth and improve the living conditions of citizens, is one of the pillars of development.
He also noted that Morocco has embarked on a sustainable and comprehensive process of reforming its legislative and institutional framework, with the aim of improving the performance of institutions, strengthening the rule of law, democracy, good governance, and protecting and enhancing human rights. He affirmed that this policy has been successful through the regularization of many institutions and bodies to protect basic rights and freedoms, good governance, human and sustainable development, and participatory democracy.
According to a Gambian journalist, Morocco has given priority to international cooperation, especially North-South and South-South cooperation, on both regional and global levels.
He said that Morocco is participating in this context on both regional and international levels in disseminating good practices and experiences that have been developed at national, regional, and international levels in the field of combating violent extremism.
He mentioned that the Kingdom hosted the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism for specialized counter-terrorism training in Africa two years ago, considering that choosing Morocco as a partner in establishing this office is another indication of the confidence and respect enjoyed by the National Strategy to Combat Terrorism and Violent Extremism.
During the launch of this event, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, affirmed that Morocco, in partnership with the United Nations, is ready to exchange the unique experience of its strategy to combat terrorism with African countries that has been developed over more than two decades under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
The Gambian journalist emphasized that there is close cooperation between Morocco and many partners, and many of them have helped in foiling planned attacks, including Spain, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
