Africa’s Terrorism Victims Overlooked in Global Response, Says Moroccan FM
Africa remains one of the regions most impacted by terrorism, with nearly 60% of global victims reported in sub-Saharan Africa, according to Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. Speaking Wednesday during a ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Bourita emphasized that Africa was often neglected in international counterterrorism efforts, despite the significant toll on its population.
Bourita said that victims were not merely unintended casualties but were often targeted by terrorist groups to further their agendas and manipulate social and political narratives. He called for urgent global action to support African victims, stressing that they are frequently overlooked on the world stage.
Morocco, he noted, has been a key player in defending the rights of terrorism victims, both in Africa and internationally. Bourita proposed creating a Global African Support Network for Victims of Terrorism to enhance cooperation among African nations, international bodies, and NGOs. This network would focus on sharing best practices and resources to provide comprehensive support for victims.
He also urged the establishment of African legal frameworks to safeguard victims’ rights and called for global campaigns to raise awareness of the challenges they face. Morocco remains committed to multilateral efforts and will continue to lead within the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, Bourita concluded.
