Rabat, Morocco – A new online platform dedicated to best practices in supporting African victims of terrorism is set to launch in Rabat, concluding a groundbreaking international conference organized by the Kingdom of Morocco in partnership with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. The conference, themed “Supporting Victims of Terrorism in Africa: Towards Achieving Justice, Recovery, and Resilience,” marks an unprecedented initiative by placing the experiences of terrorism victims and survivors at the forefront of institutional discussions on counter-terrorism efforts in Africa.
The two-day event, which commenced today, brings together ministers from various African nations, UN officials, experts, and representatives from non-governmental organizations. It aims to foster the exchange of knowledge regarding the crucial role of African terrorism victims in combating terrorism, strengthening national approaches to victim support, and encouraging greater mobilization to ensure they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve.
During his opening address, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita emphasized that terrorism in Africa is not merely a security crisis but a collective tragedy that profoundly impacts lives and memories, extending beyond material consequences. He stated that Africa has become the region most affected by terrorism globally, highlighting that West Africa alone experienced approximately 450 terrorist attacks in 2025, resulting in over 1,900 fatalities. The Sahel region, he noted, has become a major epicenter in terms of the number of attacks, the scale of casualties, and the widespread insecurity and instability.
Bourita called for the development of a shared African vision that prioritizes victims by adopting an approach that recognizes them as active participants in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. He also stressed the importance of leveraging the diverse experiences across Africa to gain a clearer understanding of the needs of victims and survivors, ultimately leading to the formulation of a common African framework to inform public policies.
He further elaborated on Morocco’s comprehensive, three-dimensional approach to combating terrorism, which includes a strong security component involving ongoing vigilance, the dismantling of terrorist cells, and the disruption of funding sources.
DZWatch will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
