On Thursday, December 18, in the city of Salé, the inauguration of the African Police Cooperation Center took place, which was established as the first center of its kind on the African continent. The center specializes in leadership, coordination, and the exchange of security information related to securing major sporting events. This is part of the ongoing preparations for Morocco to host the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
The establishment of this center is the result of close national cooperation between the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Cooperation, the General Directorate of National Security, the Royal Gendarmerie, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. In addition, there is international cooperation with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), within the framework of the “Stadia” project for sports security.
The center includes representatives from national security agencies, as well as liaison officers representing the security agencies of the 23 countries qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. Along with mobile teams of spotters working in direct coordination with Moroccan authorities to support the fans of their national teams inside the stadiums and host cities.
The center also includes representatives from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). Additionally, there are participants from Spain and Portugal in anticipation of organizing the 2030 World Cup.
The primary tasks of the center include facilitating the real-time exchange of operational information, supporting risk assessments related to fans, coordinating preventive measures, and field interventions. It also provides support and advice to Moroccan security forces while promoting a shared security culture based on sports values and fair play.
The center also plays a pivotal role in the field of digital information vigilance, by monitoring potential cyber threats, including risks of terrorism, extremism, and information breaches. This is coordinated with INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Unit, ensuring rapid and effective intervention and protection of sports facilities and all venues hosting fans.
The establishment of this center is part of the implementation of royal directives aimed at enhancing South-South cooperation and strengthening mechanisms for joint security work with sister African countries.
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