Morocco, Libya host regional security meeting on terrorism and organized crime

Moroccan and Libyan intelligence agencies co-hosted a high-level regional meeting in Benghazi, eastern Libya, bringing together 40 security delegations to discuss cooperation against terrorism and organized crime in Africa.

The meeting was organized by Libya’s intelligence service and Morocco’s General Directorate for Studies and Documentation (DGED), with participation from the United Nations through the Marrakech regional platform. It was attended by DGED Director Yassine Mansouri, Libyan intelligence chief Hussein al-Ayeb and Saddam Haftar, deputy commander-in-chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, as well as the U.N. undersecretary-general for counterterrorism.

Held under the theme “Addressing the Nexus Between Terrorism and Organized Crime in Africa,” the gathering focused on strengthening security and intelligence coordination, sharing information and developing joint responses to cross-border threats.

In remarks at the meeting, Haftar stressed the importance of supporting Libya’s intelligence service, expanding its capabilities and strengthening its international partnerships.

He said intelligence coordination and information-sharing were essential to countering the growing links between terrorism and organized crime.

Haftar also praised cooperation between the Libyan and Moroccan intelligence services in organizing the event. He said the increasingly interconnected nature of terrorism and organized crime required an integrated security approach based on intelligence coordination, information exchange and anticipating threats before they materialize.

Hosting the meeting in Benghazi, a city that has experienced fighting against militant groups, reflected its transformation into a venue for international coordination against security threats, Haftar said. He added that Libya’s armed forces were committed to protecting national security and contributing to stability across Africa.

Libyan political analyst Idris Ahmid, who specializes in Maghreb affairs, told Hespress that Benghazi’s hosting of international conferences reflected what he described as the Libyan Arab Armed Forces’ role in restoring security and stability in the city and other parts of the country.

Ahmid said cooperation between Moroccan and Libyan security agencies was strategically important, particularly in allowing Libya to draw on Morocco’s experience in combating crime and terrorism.

He added that stronger coordination and exchanges of expertise and operational information could help reinforce regional security cooperation and efforts to disrupt the networks behind organized crime and terrorism.

Ahmid also pointed to Morocco’s experience in detecting and disrupting terrorist plots, saying cooperation with Moroccan institutions could contribute to broader African and international security efforts.

The post Morocco, Libya host regional security meeting on terrorism and organized crime appeared first on HESPRESS English - Morocco News.