Following the 2003 Casablanca bombings, Moroccan authorities chose to go beyond merely reinforcing security measures. They launched a sweeping reform to better regulate the religious sphere, particularly through imam training and efforts to curb extremist discourse.

A study published in mid-2026 highlights that this approach is part of a comprehensive strategy focused on prevention, deradicalization, and strengthening religious institutions.

The Commanderie of the Faithful at the core of the system

Central to this model is the Commanderie of the Faithful (Imarat al-Mouminine), an institution under King Mohammed VI’s authority and enshrined in Morocco’s constitution. It grants the monarch religious legitimacy to arbitrate doctrinal matters and promote a moderate Islam.

The president of the institute behind the study notes that the Commanderie is the cornerstone of the entire framework. According to him, “what sets Morocco apart from other states that have tried to regulate the religious field is that this regulation comes from within the religious sphere itself, with the sovereign recognized as a religious authority, not merely a political supervisor.”

Moroccan model also rests on three major doctrinal references: Malikism, a legal tradition historically rooted in the Maghreb and Sahel; Ash’arism, which fosters a balance between faith and reason; and Sufism, which addresses spiritual and communal aspirations sometimes exploited by extremist movements.

A model inspiring several Sahel countries

Many observers believe the kingdom has crafted an original response to the extremist threat by prioritizing prevention and religious oversight alongside security measures.

This analysis is echoed by security expert Driss Aït Youssef, who says several Sahel nations battling jihadist threats can draw inspiration from certain aspects of Morocco’s experience.

He cautions, however, that “transposing the model faces significant limitations. The stability seen in Morocco largely relies on King Mohammed VI’s unique status as Commander of the Faithful, a role also recognized by populations.” This legitimacy helps structure and sustainably regulate the religious field, he adds.

The study also highlights Morocco’s prevention and deradicalization initiatives, notably the Moussalaha program aimed at religious and social reconciliation for individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses. It also recalls the role of the Mohammed VI Institute, which annually trains hundreds of African imams to promote moderate Islam across the region.

Limits in the face of digital challenges and transferability

Despite its successes, the Moroccan model is not without criticism or challenges. The study’s author points out that “standardizing sermons prevents official mosques from being used to spread radical discourse, yet this approach may foster an institutional Islam sometimes perceived as disconnected from the daily concerns of worshippers.”

The rise of digital spaces is also identified as a major challenge. Radical messages now circulate widely outside traditional religious regulatory frameworks, reducing the effectiveness of institutional controls.

Another limitation is the difficulty of replicating this model in other national contexts. While several Sahel states draw inspiration from it, its foundations rest largely on Moroccan specificities, including the Commanderie of the Faithful and the historical legitimacy of the monarchy—elements without equivalents in most countries of the region.

The study’s authors therefore consider the Moroccan model more as a source of inspiration than a one-size-fits-all formula. Nonetheless, they believe it offers valuable insights for strengthening societal resilience against radicalization and identity fractures in a Sahel region marked by severe security turbulence.