A joint security exercise between Morocco's General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) and the German police was held at the Higher Institute of Security Sciences in Ifrane, Morocco, on October 28, 2026. The exercise aimed to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise in managing complex crime scenes. The event was attended by the German ambassador to Morocco and several Moroccan and German security officials.
The exercise involved simulating five distinct scenarios, including an armed attack, an explosion caused by an explosive device, the discovery of a radioactive source, the detection of a clandestine laboratory, and victim identification. This initiative evaluated the preparedness of security services, developed their technical and operational competencies, and enhanced coordination among different responders to improve response speed and effectiveness in complex situations.
The exercise is part of various cooperation programs between DGSN and the German police, according to Abderrahmane Youssefi Alaoui, head of the Technical Division and Risk Management at the National Institute of Forensic Sciences. The goal is to test DGSN's technical expertise and competencies in the face of potential security threats during major events. Morocco has gained significant experience in securing large international events, such as COP22 and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The exercise allowed participants to demonstrate high-level decision-making and organizational skills in mobilizing human and logistical resources. The cooperation between DGSN and the German police encompasses information exchange, training, and sharing experiences and expertise. This cooperation aims to enhance the security capabilities of both countries in addressing national and transnational crime challenges.
Christian Vidal, director of the Institute of Technical and Scientific Police in Hanover, Germany, emphasized that the exercise is a result of remarkable commitment and cooperation between the two countries, built on mutual respect, trust, and a strong willingness to collaborate. He highlighted the need to further consolidate these exchanges and praised the professionalism of DGSN staff.
Vidal also commended the Moroccan teams' professional competencies, stressing the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences to develop intervention capabilities and address complex security challenges. The exercise demonstrated the value of international cooperation in enhancing security preparedness and response.
The joint security exercise between Morocco and Germany reflects the strong partnership between the two countries in addressing security challenges. The event showcased the capabilities of Moroccan and German security services and highlighted areas for further collaboration and improvement.
Key points
- Morocco and Germany conducted a joint security exercise to enhance their capabilities in managing complex crime scenes.
- The exercise simulated five distinct scenarios, including armed attacks and explosions.
- The cooperation aims to strengthen security capabilities in addressing national and transnational crime challenges.
