Marruecos ante la amenaza del terrorismo en el Sahel

Terrorist groups in the Sahel, particularly in the so-called "triangle of death" (Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso), pose a serious threat to the entire continent. Due to its geographical proximity, North Africa is one of the regions most likely to be affected by this dangerous expansion of jihadism.

Morocco's security forces and intelligence services are alert to this challenge. Proof of this was the recent anti-terrorist operation carried out by the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) that resulted in three arrests in Souk El Arbaa - a town in the province of Khenifra - Tetouan, and Larache. 

According to the authorities, the suspects - aged between 19 and 29 - are said to have sworn allegiance to Daesh and were planning a series of terrorist attacks before leaving the country to join jihadist groups in the Sahel, with whom they were in contact according to the evidence.

These arrests come in a "context marked by the increased terrorist threat and the desire of global terrorist organisations and their regional affiliates to increase their subversive operations", BCIJ stressed in a statement reported by Morocco World News. 

Abdel Wahed Awlad Mellud, a university professor specialising in African security, told Al-Ain that the dismantled cell is the result of "colossal work carried out by the BCIJ". Among the work of this organisation, the expert highlights the "tracking, monitoring and dismantling of terrorist cells in the region". The professor also highlights "the similarities in the mechanisms and tools used by terrorists", underlining the possession of "bladed weapons and explosive devices".

For years, Rabat has focused on protecting its borders from terrorist expansion from the Sahel. In order to fight jihadism and halt its northward advance, Morocco has strengthened its security partnership with countries in the region.

Terrorist groups take advantage of the instability and weakness of Sahelian states, but threaten to expand beyond the Sahel. This situation, according to Mellud, represents a "clear challenge for the Maghreb", as both the Sahel and the Sahara "have become a safe haven for Daesh branches".

Within this panorama, in addition to the presence of jihadist groups, the entry into the region of the Wagner group, linked to Russia, is noteworthy. This paramilitary organisation is taking advantage of the instability, the strong anti-French sentiment and the vacuum left by European forces to consolidate its position in the region.

Wagner's mercenaries, despite their promises related to the fight against terrorism, are involved in massacres against civilians in several areas of Mali, one of the countries where they operate. Wagner's arrival will only add to the instability and growing chaos in the region.