Morocco is accumulating security successes domestically and internationally, marking a qualitative leap in its security infrastructure
Authorities are preparing to extend the experience of model spaces equipped with an integrated information system
Morocco concludes the year 2023 with security achievements that strengthen its leadership in preserving internal security and stability. It reinforces its position as an international partner in combating terrorism, transnational organized crime, and illegal migration. This is achieved through a comprehensive approach focused on countering extremism, proactively dismantling dormant cells, promoting tolerance, moderation, and concurrently rehabilitating detainees in cases of religious extremism, reintegrating them into society according to the values of tolerance, moderation, and peaceful coexistence.
The security agencies’ annual report reflects Morocco’s commitment to maintaining security and stability. The General Directorate of National Security reveals plans to enhance these achievements, aligning with citizens’ expectations of the security sector and strengthening the growing cooperation between Morocco and its partners. The Kingdom plays a pivotal role in preserving the stability of North Africa and the security of Europe by curbing unregulated migration, combating cross-border crime, and waging the war on terrorism.
The Directorate reports an enhancement of the security infrastructure with the addition of 13 new centers during the current year, including the Fifth Security Zone in Rabat and its affiliated Riyadh Police Department, and the 24th Police District in Marrakech. The construction of the new headquarters of the General Directorate of National Security in Rabat is nearing completion, alongside projects to build seven new security headquarters, in addition to equipping and rehabilitating several other locations.
Morocco places utmost importance on its internal security and ensures that security forces are equipped with the latest tools to combat all forms of crime. Visitor testimonials affirm a sense of security during their presence in the country.
The Directorate has extended the reach of emergency police units to respond rapidly to citizens’ calls, emphasizing continuous monitoring by specialized authorities at both central and regional levels.
In 2023, rapid response units carried out over 867,000 security interventions in the streets and approximately 449,000 field interventions. The year witnessed the inauguration of several model security spaces as part of a partnership between the Directorate of Security, the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, and the United Nations Development Programme.
The new spaces are equipped with an integrated information system, including computers linked to specialized information systems, as well as devices for scanning and digital reading of fingerprints and cards. The goal is to address citizens’ concerns in the shortest possible time.
Morocco continues to strengthen its security forces with new units, including technological police units specializing in explosives detection and border monitoring. Additionally, mobile groups are deployed to maintain order in the city of Settat.
Regarding the security fleet, the Directorate has distributed around 2,200 new vehicles to various security headquarters and police units throughout Morocco.
The security strategy to combat extended crime between 2022 and 2026 aims to achieve a 25% reduction in crime. The Directorate’s figures for the current year indicate the referral of approximately 724,000 individuals to Moroccan justice in various cases.
Morocco’s intelligence efforts were recognized with the awarding of the ‘Romania Star’ on December 11, 2023, for thwarting terrorist plots in several European countries, including Germany and Belgium.
The Directorate reported that Moroccan authorities, during the current year, arrested 92 individuals with international arrest warrants and handed over 54 individuals. Additionally, 121 international arrest warrants were issued for the apprehension of individuals wanted in various cases.
An American report on counterterrorism in 2021 highlighted Morocco’s local, regional, and international efforts in fighting terrorism. It commended the country for arresting dozens of terrorists and dismantling terrorist cells in the early stages of planning operations targeting vital objectives.
In a related context, the Directorate announced the foiling of attempts by more than 28,000 individuals to migrate illegally during 2023, with around 19,000 of them holding foreign nationalities. It disclosed the dismantling of 121 criminal networks and the arrest of 594 organizers and intermediaries involved in migration.
The Directorate revealed the seizure of 707 forged travel documents and identity papers in connection with these cases, along with the confiscation of 215 boats and 31 vehicles used in organizing migration operations.
The international consensus paved the way for Morocco to host the 93rd session of the General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization ‘Interpol’ in 2025, bringing together heads and representatives of security agencies from 196 countries.
