As previously announced, Rabat is hosting the inaugural conference of African victims of terrorism on December 2 and 3. This event is organized in collaboration with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). In his opening address, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita highlighted the significance of this continental gathering as a pivotal moment for re-evaluating African strategies. He emphasized the need to place survivors at the forefront of public policies and collective efforts to combat violent extremism. The minister underscored the importance of viewing victims not merely as individuals requiring support, but as crucial contributors to prevention and resilience. He noted that they can play an active role in crafting more humane and effective African responses tailored to the realities on the ground. Bourita pointed out that Africa remains the region most afflicted by terrorism, with a marked increase in attacks, particularly in the Sahel and West Africa. These violent acts have resulted in thousands of victims, significant displacement, school dropouts, the destruction of entire communities, and the erosion of social cohesion. «Terrorism is not just a transient event; it is a disruption of the social fabric, a weakening of local economies, and a systematic attempt to spread despair and undermine the sense of security», he stated. The minister indicated that the primary goal of this meeting is to translate the recognition of victims into a tangible and foundational African commitment. It is worth recalling that during the 38th ordinary summit of the African Union, held last February in Addis Ababa, Morocco took a significant step towards including the Polisario on the continent's list of terrorist organizations, or at least condemning it for human rights abuses. In its final declaration, the summit «requested the Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security to compile a comprehensive list of leaders of armed and terrorist groups in Africa responsible for crimes against refugees and internally displaced persons, and to prosecute those who commit, encourage, finance, or facilitate such crimes». The implementation of this resolution could encourage refugees to testify about the suffering endured in the prisons of armed groups. Regarding the Polisario, it is not only the Sahrawis and the soldiers of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) who have suffered violations, but also Mauritanians, without human rights organizations seriously addressing their cases.
