Morocco has been recognized as a success story in the fight against terrorism, according to the latest Global Terrorism Index.

The country’s approach, which focuses on strong security, religious oversight, and international cooperation, has helped it stay one of the few countries with a zero rating on the index.

But experts warn that the threat of terrorism is always changing. The Institute for Economics and Peace, which publishes the report, says Morocco’s success doesn’t mean it’s completely safe. Instead, it’s the result of constant efforts to adapt to new dangers in an increasingly unstable world.

While Morocco has managed to keep terrorist attacks at bay, global terrorism has gotten worse.

The 2024 report shows a 22% increase in the number of victims, reaching 8352 deaths in 2023, the highest number since 2017.

Terrorist attacks are also becoming deadlier, with an average of 2.5 deaths per attack, compared to 1.6 in 2022. This means terrorist groups are fewer in number but more dangerous, using conflicts and weak states to their advantage.

The situation is especially alarming in the Sahel region, which has now become the world’s most terrorism-affected area.

Burkina Faso recorded the highest number of deaths, surpassing Afghanistan and Iraq for the first time. The country saw 2000 people killed in 258 attacks, representing a quarter of all global terrorism deaths.

Other countries like Mali and Niger are also facing growing threats, especially after the withdrawal of Western troops.

Terrorist groups such as ISIS in the Greater Sahara and Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin are expanding their reach.

Meanwhile, North Africa has seen mixed results. Libya, for the first time since 2010, recorded zero terrorist attacks. Algeria and Tunisia have remained relatively stable, but authorities remain cautious about the presence of sleeper cells.

Morocco, however, has managed to stay one step ahead. The country’s security strategy is based on prevention and quick action.

Intelligence services closely monitor potential threats and dismantle terrorist cells before they can carry out attacks.

The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) has played a key role in stopping dozens of terrorist plots since 2015. Most recently, Moroccan authorities foiled ISIS-linked plans targeting major cities.

But security isn’t the only focus. Morocco also works on preventing radicalization by addressing the roots of extremism.

The Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams helps promote moderate religious teachings, reducing the spread of extremist ideas.

Experts say this balanced approach makes Morocco different from other countries that focus only on security measures.

Even with these efforts, the risk of terrorism isn’t completely gone. With ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, extremist ideas could still spread. Experts stress that Morocco must remain alert and proactive to protect itself from any future threats.

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