Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has urged the international community to step up efforts against non-state armed groups, warning that their cross-border activities are creating new security challenges. Speaking at a high-level meeting on "The Challenges Posed by Non-State Armed Groups" in New York, Bourita emphasized the need for stronger global action to address the growing threat posed by these groups. The meeting was organized by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Bourita reiterated Morocco's position against non-state armed groups and condemned attacks carried out by Houthi militias against Saudi Arabia, as well as Iranian attacks targeting the security and stability of GCC countries. He also condemned actions targeting freedom of navigation in maritime passages, saying such activities are intended to exert pressure and serve the interests of other parties. The minister's remarks highlight the complex security landscape in the region and the need for international cooperation to address these threats.
According to Bourita, armed groups have become increasingly capable of taking advantage of weaknesses within states, operating across national borders, and linking conflicts in different regions. This has significant implications for global security, as these groups can now exploit vulnerabilities and create new challenges for governments. The Moroccan minister pointed to the scale of the problem in Africa, where nearly 24,000 deaths have been associated with violence committed by armed groups over the past 12 months.
Bourita also drew attention to the growing links between terrorist groups, separatist movements, and criminal networks. He raised particular concern over what he described as "proxy warfare," in which states use armed groups to advance strategic interests. This phenomenon allows states to pursue their goals without being directly involved, while also creating new risks and challenges for the international community.
The Moroccan minister urged the international community to act before armed groups become more deeply established and to strengthen cooperation targeting their funding, access to weapons, illicit trafficking networks, and external support. He also called for stronger accountability mechanisms and for closing gaps that allow groups operating as proxies to avoid consequences. This requires a coordinated effort from governments and international organizations to address the root causes of these threats.
Bourita argued that countries supporting such groups should assume "the legal, political, and moral responsibility" for their actions and for the destabilizing consequences of their activities. This emphasizes the need for greater transparency and accountability in international relations, particularly when it comes to the use of armed groups as proxies. The minister's remarks reflect Morocco's commitment to promoting stability and security in the region.
In his concluding remarks, Bourita stressed the need to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, alongside the security and dignity of their populations. He called for measures to prevent armed groups from influencing future conflicts and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing these threats. The minister's statement highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges posed by non-state armed groups.
Key points
- Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita calls for stronger international efforts to address growing threats from non-state armed groups.
- Armed groups have become increasingly capable of operating across national borders and linking conflicts in different regions.
- Bourita urges countries supporting armed groups to assume "the legal, political, and moral responsibility" for their actions.
