Morocco: A safe haven in the region?
In brief: In 2015, the British Times called Morocco the “last safe haven” in North Africa. Whether it is because Morocco has been one of the only Arab countries that was not severely impacted by the Arab Spring of 2010-2012 or because it has been nearly completely untouched by any kind of terrorism, the label “safe haven” seems to be fitting.
How has Morocco been able to keep up strong national stability, good international ties, and avoid the threat of terrorism?
The Monarchy
Morocco’s king, Mohammed VI, was able to maintain stability during the Arab Spring uprisings and this stability has continued to today. In fact, many have called Morocco the only country that exited the two-year period with 100% success. This is also due to the fact that ever since Mohammed VI’s coronation, he has been an adored leader by the majority of his country. This was particularly unusual during the Arab Spring, which in many other countries was sparked by common dissatisfaction with governments, political leaders, and monarchies. In contrast, Moroccans stood behind their King during those volatile times.
The main explanation behind Moroccans trust in their monarchy is the feeling that there exists a close bond between the King and his people. This is not only because King Mohammed VI is their head of state as well as faith, but also because he shows how deeply he cares about his country and his people, which can be seen through the progress Morocco has made ever since he became king. This common adoration for the king and the trust in him has in fact been a significant factor behind the security within Morocco.
The Fight Against Terrorism
Another sign of stability and security is that Morocco has successfully deflected any large-scale terrorist attacks in recent years. In fact, the last one that Morocco experienced was the 2011 Marrakech bombing. On the other hand, Europe has been the victim of multiple large attacks, with the majority happening in the past 4 years. Even amongst neighbouring countries and the rest of the Arab world, Morocco seems to have the least internal unrest.
Instead of creating an overwhelming reaction to the fear of terrorist attacks, which is what the majority of Europe seems to have been doing, Morocco has been tackling the issue of terrorism at its root. Altogether, one of the reasons for Morocco’s outstanding national security is the fact that a few years ago the police underwent a drastic reformation and the forces were increased nationwide. The military technological advancements and the increase in forces made it possible for the police, the intelligence service, and the military to tackle as many terrorist threats as possible. According to a 2016 report by the Maghreb Arab Press (MAP), the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ), since 2002, has managed to hinder 341 terrorist attacks and dismantle 167 terrorist cells, of which 46 were affiliated to ISIS. The head of the BCIJ, Abdelhak El Khiyame, also added that that 2963 suspected terrorists were arrested and referred to the judiciary courts.
Another factor that has influenced how Morocco has remained mostly untouched by ISIS is the strong border controls that the country has with its eastern neighbour Algeria and to the South in the Sahara. This has helped Morocco stop any passage of possible threats from the outside into the country. In addition to shutting down most threats internally, the danger of ISIS has been mostly avoided.
The Moroccan counter-terrorism intelligence has been not only efficient nationally but also internationally as it has helped France and Belgium to thwart a number of terror attacks. Most notably, it was Moroccan intelligence that assisted in locating Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the orchestrator of the November 2015 atrocities in Paris. Furthermore, together with the United States, Morocco has been leading a global effort under the auspices of the Global Counterterrorism Forum.
Stable Environment for Moroccans and Foreigners
As a foreigner in Morocco, one arrives to find a country which is very secure and thus prevents any worries about mugging or even larger scale dangers. In the capital city, Rabat, there is a large number of police as well as the Hadar, the anti-terrorism patrol, made up by one policeman surrounded by two military soldiers.
In regards to the national feeling of security, it’s clear that if the people feel unsafe, it will be more likely to create a situation of unrest. Therefore, it is in everyone’s interests to maintain the latter sense of security or in other words, preserve Morocco as a “safe haven”.
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