The Rabat-based UNOCT Program Office for Counter-Terrorism and Training in Africa launched on Monday a series of specialized training courses on counter-terrorism, organized in collaboration with the Australian government. This first session of a 10-week training, supervised by international experts, aims to bolster the specialized and technical capabilities of participants in the field of investigations and counter-terrorism. Twenty-four participants representing law enforcement institutions from six African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Nigeria and Senegal) will take part in the first “basic level” training module, which will conclude on June 10. The training modules will be delivered over the course of a year, according to the following schedule: basic module from May 23 until June 10, the intermediate module from September 5 until 23, the advanced level from November 21 until December 9, and the trainer level will take place in February 2023. Speaking via videoconference, the Deputy Director of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, Mauro Miedico, said the Office, which is the first of its kind in Africa, aims to become a training, qualification and capacity-building hub in the fight against terrorism by organizing training sessions that are supervised by regional and international experts. Holding the courses in Rabat reflects the kingdom and its partners’ commitment to the fight against terrorism and their contribution to maintain international peace and security. Head of the UNOCT Office in Africa, Carlos Monteiro Reis, for his part, welcomed the development of this innovative program, stressing that several countries will benefit from this training program to enhance their skills in the fight against terrorism. The UN official said the participants will be followed up to ensure they apply the skills acquired to serve the decision-makers in their countries and implement the programs and policies to combat terrorism. He pointed out that the program will develop a platform for communication and exchange of experiences after the training. For his part, the Director of Global Issues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Ismail Chekkori, said the training is a new step in the fight against terrorism and the establishment of peace in Africa. He referred to the terrorist activities that threaten the stability and security of the continent and the importance of combining efforts to address them.