Morocco ranks first in Africa and ninth worldwide in counterterrorism performance

Wednesday 16 September 2026 - 07:15

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco ranks first in Africa and ninth worldwide in counterterrorism performance

Morocco has recorded a strong performance in international security assessments, ranking first in Africa and ninth worldwide in counterterrorism according to the 2025–2026 Global Public Security Index cited in recent reports.

The Kingdom obtained 87.45 points out of 100 in the counterterrorism category, placing it among the highest-performing countries evaluated in this area. Its overall score reached 76.15 points, above the reported average of 72.56 points for the countries included in the assessment.

The index was presented during the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China. The event brought together more than 2,100 security officials and senior representatives from 139 countries, alongside representatives of Interpol and the United Nations.

The assessment covered 62 countries, representing more than 82 percent of the global population and over 87 percent of worldwide economic output. It examined four main areas: public order and security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity and road safety.

Morocco recorded its highest score in counterterrorism, while also achieving a ninth-place position in cybersecurity with 71.73 points. The country received 73.82 points for public order and security and 71.50 points for road safety.

The report's findings come after years of investment in Morocco's security and intelligence capabilities. The country's security architecture combines intelligence gathering, information analysis, field operations and international cooperation to address terrorism, organized crime, cyber threats and cross-border criminal networks.

The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation, established in 2015, has become an important component of Morocco's counterterrorism structure. The bureau has conducted preventive operations against suspected cells linked to extremist organizations, including groups inspired by Islamic State and al-Qaeda, according to Moroccan authorities.

In February 2025, Moroccan authorities announced the dismantling of a 12-member suspected terrorist cell operating across nine cities. Investigators said the group had been preparing attacks using remotely controlled explosive devices. Weapons, explosive materials and other equipment were seized during the operation.

Morocco's counterterrorism strategy also relies on monitoring extremist recruitment, tracking suspicious financial and logistical activity, and exchanging intelligence with foreign security services. Cooperation with international partners has become increasingly important as terrorist networks and organized criminal groups operate across national borders.

The modernization of Morocco's security services has extended beyond terrorism. National security authorities reported approximately 779,000 criminal cases in 2025, while violent crime reportedly declined by around 10 percent. Authorities also reported a 95 percent crime-resolution rate, alongside reductions in armed robberies and burglary-related offenses.

Digital transformation and forensic capabilities have also become part of the country's broader security reforms. These efforts include the development of scientific and technical police services, specialized cybercrime units and digitalized administrative and security procedures.

Director General of National Security and head of the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance Abdellatif Hammouchi has played a prominent role in Morocco's security cooperation with international partners. His career has included responsibilities spanning domestic security, intelligence coordination and cooperation with foreign law-enforcement agencies.

Hammouchi has also received several international distinctions. Moroccan authorities and foreign institutions have recognized his contribution to security cooperation through awards and decorations from Arab, European and international organizations, including recognition associated with France, Spain and Interpol.

The latest index result places Morocco among the countries recording the highest counterterrorism scores in the assessment. At the same time, the figures should be viewed within the methodology and country coverage of the specific index, which evaluated a limited group of 62 countries rather than every country worldwide.