Morocco has been living through a pivotal phase in recent weeks in its security and logistical preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, an edition on which the continent has high hopes, given the scale of organizational and developmental stakes the Kingdom is betting on.
With the kick-off date approaching on December 21st, Moroccan security services are emerging as a fundamental pillar in ensuring an unprecedented event that reflects the image of a country capable of hosting major international gatherings under optimal conditions.
According to available information, security preparations began with the official announcement of Morocco as the host, with various agencies launching their work in close coordination with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), through its Safety and Security Department, and the Local Organizing Committee. This involved launching one of the most extensive training programs in the history of the AFCON, covering the six host cities.
The program aims to elevate the security and safety system to high levels of readiness by training all security actors and enabling them to grasp the technical and organizational requirements mandated by CAF, in line with best international practices for organizing major tournaments.
These training sessions involved stadium security directors, police and gendarmerie officers, guard and rescue units, road and airport security, Auxiliary Forces, as well as officials for training sites, hotels, and fan zones. This forms a harmonized operational network to ensure a safe environment throughout the tournament.
CAF, for its part, expressed its appreciation for the "exceptional" efforts made by the Ministry of Interior, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and the Local Committee, confirming that the joint work reflects a high level of professional readiness.
A number of experts believe that the success of the AFCON is measured not only by what happens inside the stadiums, but also by the strength of the "invisible security" surrounding every detail of the organization.
In this context, security sources confirmed that the Moroccan system is working silently at highly sensitive levels, through "command and control rooms" equipped with artificial intelligence systems capable of analyzing crowd behavior, in addition to plain-clothed units deployed within the stands to monitor any potential threat without drawing attention. This is a hidden system, but it constitutes the backbone of ensuring a safe and smooth tournament, with a technological arsenal that Morocco has gained experience in using during previous world events.
Security preparation also extends to international cooperation, as Marrakech recently hosted a workshop bringing together the General Directorate of National Security with Interpol, dedicated to exchanging expertise on confronting risks related to extremists and criminal gangs during major sporting events.
The meeting reviewed mechanisms for data exchange via the I-24/7 system, which connects 196 countries, enabling Moroccan security agencies to proactively and swiftly monitor potential threats.
This comprehensive package of measures and multi-level coordination confirms that Morocco is preparing to present an exceptional edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, where the goal is not limited to organizational success, but also to cement a security and logistical leadership that reflects the Kingdom's stature and its ability to protect its guests and fans with confidence and competence.Start writing here...