“Le Point”: Morocco’s expertise in counter-terrorism has established itself on the international stage
In an article dedicated to dismantling a terrorist cell linked to the “ISIS” organization in the Sahel region, Le Point stated that Moroccan security forces, thanks to their vigilance and proactive approach, have managed to thwart numerous terrorist attacks “even before they took a tangible form.”
The magazine highlighted that Morocco’s geostrategic location exposes it to complex security challenges, but it remains resilient and capable of adapting to emerging threats, noting that “Morocco’s expertise in counter-terrorism has established itself internationally, making Morocco a key player in global efforts to combat extremism.”
Le Point believes that the kingdom does not rely solely on a security approach, but has made combating extremist ideology a “major strategic axis,” noting that “since the beginning of the 21st century, the kingdom has launched a reform of the religious field to promote a moderate and tolerant Islam.”
In this context, the magazine adds, “the creation of regional scientific councils has contributed to ensuring decentralized religious guidance, while the Supreme Scientific Council has been designated as the sole body authorized to issue fatwas, ensuring the consistency of religious reference and limiting extremist deviations.”
In the prison system, the French magazine mentioned that “the reconciliation program launched in 2017, a pioneering initiative aimed at enabling detainees involved in terrorism-related issues to gain a deeper understanding of religious texts, seeks to encourage them to abandon extremist thought and reconcile with themselves and society.”
Le Point noted that “over 15 sessions, 331 participants benefited from the program, with no cases of returning to radicalism recorded, reflecting the success and effectiveness of this initiative.”
In this context, the magazine stressed that Morocco “has become a key player in religious training in Africa and beyond,” noting that the kingdom “has signed several bilateral agreements with countries such as Mali, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Guinea, Tunisia, Chad, and France.”
Additionally, hundreds of imams have been trained in Moroccan institutes, including the Mohammed VI Institute for Training Imams, Preachers, and Preacher Women, which trains 150 imams and 50 preacher women annually, “thus contributing to spreading a moderate Islam in regions threatened by extremism.”