Separatism and terrorism are two sides of the same coins as fighters especially in Africa swap from one side to another, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said.
“The collusion against the sovereignty and stability of states, and the convergence of financial, tactical and operational means, create an objective alliance between terrorist and separatist groups,” Bourita told participants at the opening of the ministerial meeting of the global coalition to defeat ISIS held in Marrakech.
He stated that the increasing number people crossing from separatist to terror groups and vice-versa has confirmed this.
Bourita made it clear, that those who support separatists are actually helping to spread terrorism.
“Those who finance, shelter, support and weaponize separatism, are actually contributing to the expansion of terrorism and undermine regional peace and security.”
Bourita, in this regard, urged more support for African states to combat the scourge terrorism through financing and capacity-building.
He underscored Morocco’s involvement in backing African countries, as part of the Global coalition against ISIS, adding that Rabat advocates multilateralism and is ready to share its experience in the fight against terrorism.
This aid to Africa becomes even more critical because Africa has been the main target of 41% ISIS attacks around the world.
In 2021, Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 48% of global terrorism deaths – with 3.461 casualties, bringing the death toll to 30.000 people during the last 15 years, the minister said.
The economic cost of terrorism has surged to 171 billion dollars, that could ideally have been invested in the continent’s development.
The terrorist threat to Africa has reached the Atlantic coasts, and its shipping routes. He said that the Gulf of Guinea was a place where terrorists and piracy were linked, as shown in the Horn of Africa. He also stated that terrorist groups are seeking to take control of natural resources.
Officials from 85 countries and several organizations, including the Arab League, NATO and Interpol, are gathering in Marrakech, for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS’ first ministerial in Africa.
Co-hosted by Morocco and the U.S., the meeting is looking into “ways to sustain pressure on ISIS remnants globally” and counter the threat of Daesh in Africa wherein the jihadists are relocating after suffering major defeats and losses in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Morocco’s hosting of the Ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition against ISIS shows the Kingdom’s firm commitment to counterterrorism, and its role in promoting regional security and stability.
The Coalition is united and determined in its determination to defeat Daesh wherever it operates and bring those responsible for its terror acts to justice.
Source: north africa post
