From New York, Bourita Calls for Firm International Action Against Armed Groups, Their Financing Networks and States Supporting Them

ALDAR /

Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, on Monday in New York reiterated the Kingdom’s steadfast position condemning non-state armed groups, during a high-level event devoted to the “challenges posed by non-state armed groups.”

Speaking at the meeting, organized by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Bourita strongly condemned, in particular, the criminal acts committed by the Houthi militias targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as Iranian attacks targeting the security and stability of the GCC countries.

He also expressed Morocco’s condemnation of hostile acts targeting freedom of navigation in maritime corridors, with the aim of exerting pressure and serving the interests of other parties.

Bourita stressed that the issue of non-state armed groups has become increasingly urgent, noting that these groups have evolved into sophisticated actors capable of exploiting national vulnerabilities, crossing borders and linking different theatres of conflict.

He particularly highlighted the scale of the threat in Africa, where nearly 24,000 deaths over the past twelve months have been linked to acts of violence perpetrated by armed groups.

The minister also drew attention to the growing convergence between terrorist groups, separatist movements and criminal networks, as well as the phenomenon of “proxy warfare.” He noted that some states resort to armed proxies to pursue strategic objectives, including by providing them with safe havens, in violation of international law and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

In light of these developments, Bourita called on the international community to act proactively and deepen cooperation in addressing the financing of armed groups, arms transfers, illicit trafficking and external support for armed groups.

In this regard, he called for stronger commitment to accountability and for closing loopholes that allow proxy actors to operate with impunity. This, he stressed, entails legal, political and moral responsibility for the states sponsoring these groups, which are the primary beneficiaries of their destructive and destabilizing activities.

In conclusion, the minister stressed that collective responsibility goes beyond merely containing these actors. It also involves preventing them from influencing the course of future conflicts and firmly preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as well as the security and dignity of their populations.