This professor of international relations at the University of the Americas in Mexico City told MAP that the effectiveness and vigilance of Moroccan security and intelligence services, which have recently aborted two terrorist operations targeting the Kingdom’s stability, testify to the relevance of the Moroccan strategy to fight terrorism and violent extremism.
Villicaña noted that this approach, which is mainly based on proactivity and full respect for human rights, should inspire other countries, which in turn face the terrorist threat, to eradicate this phenomenon.
He added that the tangible results obtained thanks to the Kingdom’s strategy in this field underline that the Moroccan approach is not only based on the security component, but also includes several aspects, including religious, legal and socio-economic ones.
The expert also highlighted the centrality of the role of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, who prevents the exploitation of religion for illegitimate purposes and ensures a religious practice based on moderation.
The Mexican academician also praised the socio-economic programs, including income-generating projects, that Morocco is keen to implement to combat vulnerability and poverty, which, he noted, are among the main causes of the terrorism phenomenon.