Ismail Chekkori emphasized Morocco’s dedication to enhancing institutional collaboration in the battle against terrorism during the Third United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week (19-23) at the High-Level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of Member States.
Indeed, Mr. Chekkori noted that Morocco has always been an “ardent defender” of strengthening institutional cooperation in the fight against terrorism, pointing out that last year, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Morocco launched the “Marrakesh Platform for African Heads of Security and Counter-Terrorism Agencies”, adding that this platform, which recently held its 2nd meeting in Tangiers, brought together more than 38 heads of security agencies from African Member States and partner countries.
This platform serves as an annual forum for assessing achievements, priorities, needs, and actions while promoting inter-agency coordination and the exchange of best practices and experiences, he said, noting that the platform is a “strong demonstration” of the willingness of African countries to commit to a reliable and credible multilateral effort to combat terrorism.
The official also pointed out that Morocco hosts the Office of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism and Training Program in Africa in Rabat, which represents, according to him, the culmination of the partnership and fruitful collaboration between Morocco and the UN, adding that this Office offers capacity-building programs that meet the priorities of African countries.
Referring to the experience of the BCIJ as an example of Morocco’s effective institutional response to terrorism, Mr. Chekkori said that the BCIJ is a specialized security agency under the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST). It is responsible for investigating and prosecuting terrorism-related cases in Morocco, with jurisdiction over all acts of terrorism within the country’s borders, he said, adding that the BCIJ operates throughout the country, conducting investigations independently or in collaboration with national and international security agencies.
For the official, the BCIJ is a “successful example” of Morocco’s ability to resist and respond effectively to terrorist threats.
The official also stressed that the national security agencies remain open to working with reliable partners to achieve tangible results.