Rabat, Morocco is hosting the first-ever conference dedicated to supporting victims of terrorism across Africa, opening today, December 2nd.The multi-day event, co-hosted with the United Nations Office of counter-Terrorism, signals a growing international focus on the human cost of escalating violence in regions like the Sahel and West Africa, where extremist groups continue to inflict widespread suffering [[1]]. With representatives from across the continent in attendance, the conference aims to integrate victim-centered approaches into counter-terrorism strategies and deliver tangible resources to those impacted by conflict [[2]].
Rabat, Morocco – The first conference dedicated to African victims of terrorism opened on December 2, bringing renewed focus to the human cost of escalating violence across the continent. Hosted by the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, with support from the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the conference aims to center victims’ experiences in counter-terrorism strategies.
The gathering seeks to integrate a human-centered approach – one that prioritizes remembrance and restorative justice – into security efforts, according to organizers. Africa remains the region most impacted by terrorism, and this conference represents a shift toward acknowledging the widespread suffering caused by extremist groups.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, speaking at the opening session, emphasized the growing threat of terrorism in Africa, particularly in the Sahel and West Africa. He noted the violence has resulted in thousands of casualties and triggered a cascade of consequences, including mass displacement, interrupted education, the destruction of communities, and weakened social cohesion.
Bourita outlined Morocco’s national strategy, which he said builds on the vision of King Mohammed VI and rests on three pillars: security vigilance, socio-economic development, and strengthening religious values. He stated the central goal of the conference is to “transform the recognition of victims into a concrete and structuring African commitment.”
Representatives from African nations, including those from the Sahel region, praised King Mohammed VI for Morocco’s support of stability and development in the region. Participants concluded the conference by adopting the Rabat Declaration, which includes the creation of an online platform to document victims and provide resources to alleviate their suffering.
Ministers from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso were among those attending the conference. The declaration signals a growing recognition of the need for a coordinated response to the challenges faced by victims of terrorism across the African continent.
December 2, 2025 at 3:00 PM
