Abdellatif Hammouchi, Director General of Morocco’s National Police (DGSN) and Territorial Surveillance Agency (DGST) continues to lead efforts to position Morocco as a key global security player, strengthening international partnerships in counterterrorism, organized crime, cybersecurity, and law enforcement training among others.
Security Cooperation with Key Countries
Türkiye
Hammouchi visited Ankara in September to meet with Turkish officials, including Deputy Minister of the Interior Munir Karaloglu and Intelligence Director Selami Yildiz. They discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in technology and innovation to address shared security challenges.
The Moroccan official also attended the “International Exhibition of Internal Security Equipment” (IGEF24), where he explored innovations in internal security technology.
Spain
Spain and Morocco maintain strong security cooperation, marked by joint efforts against cross-border crime, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and terrorism. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska called their partnership “exceptional, in September, while Manuel Navarrete, head of Spain’s Center for Intelligence Against Terrorism and Organized Crime (CITCO) commended Morocco’s crucial role in combating organized crime and irregular immigration during CITCO’s 10th-anniversary event in August.
Hammouchi met with Eugenio Pereiro Blanco, Head of Spain’s General Commissariat of Information, in Rabat in February to discuss the bilateral cooperation.
The two nations are bonded by a multidimensional strategic cooperation that spans multiple domains, as outlined in the roadmap drawn up in April 2022 during Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s visit to Morocco.
Germany
The security premier met Dieter Romann, Head of the German Federal Police (Bundespolizei), and Holger Münch, Head of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), in June to discuss strengthening bilateral security cooperation. The discussions centered on counterterrorism, combatting cross-border crime, and ensuring sports security.
He also visited the German Joint Counter-Terrorism Center and facilities related to securing major events, including the UEFA Cup and Euro 2024, reinforcing Morocco-Germany security ties ahead of upcoming global sports events.
France
Following the arrest of Félix Bingui, a renowned criminal, French officials commended Morocco for its dedication to opposing organized crime and terrorism, underscoring the importance of the bilateral security cooperation between the two nations.
Morocco’s police chief met with France’s Director General of Internal Security, Nicolas Lerner, to strengthen security cooperation, focusing on expanding intelligence-sharing and operational coordination to address shared threats.
Morocco also contributed to securing the 2024 Paris Olympics in August, by sending a team of bomb disposal experts to assist French security forces in host cities such as Bordeaux, Lyon, Nice, and Lille. The collaboration follows the Kingdom’s previous role in securing the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Belgium
During his December visit to Belgium, the head of the Moroccan security services signed a joint action plan for 2025-2026 with his counterpart, Eric Snoeck, Commissioner General of the Belgian Federal Police.
The plan strengthens their partnership, focusing on combating terrorism and organized crime, with initiatives to tackle money laundering and enhance border security.
Italy
The Moroccan leader met with Italian Public Security Director General Vittorio Pisani in June, in Rabat to discuss cross-border crime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and illegal migration.
The officials examined shared interests, identified emerging risks, and developed collaborative strategies, agreeing to exchange expertise and technical assistance.
Saudi Arabia
Hammouchi visited Saudi Arabia to meet with senior security officials and discuss strengthening cooperation. This visit also coincided with Saudi Arabia’s “World Defense Show 2024,” providing an opportunity to assess the latest security technologies and innovations.
The visit reinforced the Kingdoms’ cooperation on security, following a 2023 counterterrorism and finance agreement signed in Rabat, last year, that strengthened their partnership in combating terrorism and its financing.
At the 50th session of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in Riyadh in November, Hammouchi presented a strategy for the university’s 2025-2029 training plans, focusing on emerging security threats such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cybercrime.
United Arab Emirates
Hammouchi signed a security cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates officials in September. The deal involves collaboration between Morocco’s Royal Police Institute and the Saif Bin Zayed Academy for Police Sciences. It includes joint training, advanced courses, and practical exchanges to enhance police skills.
The agreement strengthens the longstanding partnership between the two nations, supporting police capacity-building and global security collaboration.
Cybersecurity and Law Enforcement Initiatives
Commemorating the 68th anniversary of DGSN and DGST, the open house event in Agadir in May, focused on technological advancements and AI. Visitors explored innovations such as facial recognition systems, AI-driven license plate readers, and the “Ghiath Smart Patrol” vehicle, equipped with AI, cameras, and drones for enhanced surveillance.
The event highlighted progress in public safety, including AI integration in forensic services and digital crime prevention.
In a move to combat cybercrime, Morocco launched the “E-blagh” -Report- platform in June, allowing citizens to report illegal online activities. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address emerging online threats and criminal activities.
The website, www.e-blagh.ma, offers users a secure and efficient platform to report any criminal or harmful digital content, including the promotion of violence against individuals or organizations, endorsement of terrorism, and the violation of the rights and liberties of minors and other vulnerable people.
The DGSN “E-Blagh” Platform recorded 12,614 cybercrimes in 2024, demonstrating the site’s effectiveness in sharing citizens’ responsibility for security.
Morocco to Host INTERPOL 93rd General Assembly in 2025
Morocco was selected in November to host the 93rd General Assembly of International Police INTERPOL in 2025, following a successful campaign led by Hammouchi. The police chief’s persuasive speech in Vienna secured overwhelming approval for Morocco’s candidacy.
The event will reinforce Morocco’s growing influence in global security and highlight its vital role in combating transnational crime.
Morocco’s New Role as Vice President for Africa
Morocco was elected Vice President for Africa at INTERPOL’s 92nd General Assembly, in November, marking a significant milestone in the country’s leadership in regional and global security. This role strengthens Morocco’s position as a key partner in combating terrorism, illegal migration, and organized crime across Africa and globally.
Hammouchi’s leadership in this capacity will enable Morocco to enhance cooperation with African nations, fostering security collaboration to address shared challenges.
Social Welfare and Police Training Initiatives:
Under Abdellatif Hammouchi’s leadership, Morocco has made significant strides in enhancing the capabilities of its law enforcement agencies, with a strong focus on both professional development and social welfare for police officers.
The country’s commitment to improving police training, human rights, and civic engagement is evident through a series of strategic initiatives outlined in the 2024 police blueprint.
Police Training and Professional Development
Morocco’s investment in police training is a cornerstone of its strategy to modernize and professionalize the police force. A key development has been the announcement of the International Police Training Center in Ifrane, which will serve as a regional hub for training police officers from across Africa and beyond.
The center will play a critical role in strengthening Morocco’s national security efforts and bolstering international cooperation against terrorism and organized crime.
In addition to the Ifrane Center, the DGSN is exploring the opening of educational language centers at various police training institutions to improve communication skills and enhance operational effectiveness.
The center also offers specialized training in sports security and event safety management to prepare Moroccan police forces for their roles in securing major global sports events in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAF) in 2025 and the FIFA World Cup in 2030.
The expansion of police training facilities is also evident in the new schools projected in Casablanca and Marrakech, complementing existing institutions such as the Royal Police Institute in Kenitra and various other regional training schools in cities like Tangier, Oujda, and Laayoune.
Further investment is being considered in the creation of additional training centers and police precincts, including a third security zone headquarters in Rabat.
Additionally, the establishment of regional laboratories focused on digital forensics will bolster Morocco’s capacity to tackle cybercrime and other digital threats.
- Social Welfare Programs for Police Officers
The director’s leadership also extends to improving the well-being of police officers and their families. DGSN has prioritized social initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its personnel.
Initiatives include the construction of recreational facilities in Martil and Moulay Bousselham, designed to provide police officers and their families with spaces for relaxation and community engagement.
To further support the health and welfare of police officers, a fully equipped medical laboratory has been established in Hay Riad (Rabat) to serve the medical needs of police staff and their families. There are plans to expand this initiative to other cities in Morocco, ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare for those who serve the nation.
DGSN has also launched programs such as summer camps for children of police employees. Through these initiatives, Morocco is making substantial progress in building a police force that is not only skilled and well-equipped but also supported by a strong network of social welfare programs that contribute to the overall well-being of law enforcement personnel and their families.
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