Following the devastating Casablanca attacks in 2003, Moroccan authorities adopted a multifaceted approach that extended beyond mere security enhancements. A comprehensive reform initiative was simultaneously launched, focusing on the rigorous oversight of the religious sphere, including the specialized training of imams and proactive measures to counter extremist narratives.

This strategic orientation, detailed in a study published by the Institute for Applied Geopolitics Studies (IEGA) this Thursday (18.06.2026), forms part of a broader national strategy encompassing prevention, deradicalization, and the strengthening of religious institutions.

The Commanderie des croyants: a central pillar

At the heart of this distinctive Morocco religious model lies the Commanderie des croyants (Imarat al-Mouminine), an institution constitutionally placed under the direct authority of King Mohammed VI. This grants the monarch significant religious legitimacy, enabling him to adjudicate doctrinal matters and actively champion a moderate form of Islam.

Alexandre Negrus, president of the IEGA and a co-author of the report, underscores the pivotal role of the Commanderie des croyants as the veritable cornerstone of this entire framework. He observes that what truly sets Morocco apart from other nations attempting to regulate their religious landscape is that this oversight emanates from within the religious domain itself. The sovereign is acknowledged as a genuine religious authority, rather than merely a political figure overseeing religious affairs.

The Moroccan model is further underpinned by three significant doctrinal foundations: Malikism, a legal tradition deeply rooted historically across the Maghreb and Sahel regions; Ash’arism, which advocates for a harmonious integration of faith and reason; and Sufism, which addresses spiritual and communal needs, often targeted by extremist movements.

Morocco’s model inspires Sahelian nations

Many analysts recognize the Kingdom’s innovative approach to combating extremist threats, which distinctively prioritizes religious guidance and prevention strategies as integral complements to traditional security measures.

This perspective is echoed by Driss Aït Youssef, a security expert, who suggests that several Sahelian nations grappling with the persistent jihadist threat could draw valuable lessons from certain aspects of Morocco’s experience.

However, the expert cautions that “the direct transferability of this model presents significant limitations.” He posits that the stability observed in Morocco largely stems from the unique status of King Mohammed VI as the Commander of the Believers, a role that enjoys widespread recognition among the populace. This inherent legitimacy, he argues, is instrumental in sustainably structuring and regulating the nation’s religious landscape.

The study also shines a light on Morocco’s proactive initiatives in prevention and deradicalization, notably through the Moussalaha program. This program is designed for the religious and social reintegration of individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses. Furthermore, the Mohammed VI Institute plays a crucial role, annually educating hundreds of African imams to disseminate a message of moderate Islam across various regional countries.

Navigating digital challenges and transferability limits

Despite its achievements, the Morocco religious model is not without its criticisms and challenges. Alexandre Negrus, president of the Institute for Applied Geopolitics Studies (IEGA), points out that “while the standardization of sermons effectively prevents the use of official mosques for radical discourse, this approach can inadvertently foster an institutionalized form of Islam sometimes perceived as disconnected from the daily concerns of worshippers.“

The IEGA president further identifies the escalating influence of digital platforms as a primary contemporary challenge. Radical ideologies now proliferate extensively beyond conventional religious regulatory frameworks, thereby diminishing the effectiveness of institutional control mechanisms.

A further limitation highlighted by the study is the inherent difficulty in replicating this model within different national contexts. While several Sahelian states draw inspiration from it, its foundational elements are deeply rooted in Moroccan specificities, particularly the Commanderie des croyants and the monarchy’s historical legitimacy, which lack direct equivalents in most other regional nations.

Consequently, the report’s authors suggest that the Moroccan model should be viewed more as a source of inspiration than as a universally reproducible formula. Nevertheless, they contend that it provides valuable avenues for reflection on strengthening societal resilience against radicalization and identity divisions, especially within the context of the Sahel, a region currently marked by significant security turbulence.