By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta
The ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition against Daesh (Arabic for ISIS) took place on May 11 in Marrakesh, Morocco, with representatives from more than 80 countries and international organizations.
The meeting was organized at the joint invitation of the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Foreigners, Nasser Burita, and the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken. This first meeting of the Global Coalition against ISIS in Africa is another step in the framework of international commitment and coordination in the fight against the Islamic State (IS), with particular emphasis on the African continent, as well as the evolving terrorist threat in the Middle East and other areas.
Participants expressed concern about the proliferation of separatist movements in Africa, which are destabilizing and making African states more vulnerable, creating favorable conditions for ISIS and other terrorist and violent extremist organizations, the statement said. of this international conference.
They also noted the existence of a link between separatist and terrorist movements acting in collusion, exploiting existing weaknesses in a way that multiplies their destabilizing impact.
The hosting of this international meeting from Morocco reflects the confidence enjoyed by the special approach taken by the Kingdom under the leadership of King Mohammed VI in the fight against terrorism.
The meeting reaffirms Morocco ‘s full commitment to ensuring close coordination with its partners to eliminate the threat posed by IK and aimed at regional security and stability, thus combating terrorism and extremism on the African continent at its source.
The meeting of the international coalition against the Islamic State in numbers:
• Participating countries: 79
• African participating countries: 19
• Participating Asian countries: 8
• Participating Arab countries: 9
• Participating international organizations: European Union, Arab League, International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Sahara Community.
• Number of participating ministers: 47 (of which 38 foreign ministers)
• Total number of participants: 400
