Amina Mohammed Calls for Strengthened Counter-Terrorism Measures
At a meeting convened by Algeria, the Security Council president for January, Amina Mohammed underscored the urgent need to bolster counter-terrorism initiatives across Africa. The meeting focused on strengthening strategies to combat terrorism, with an emphasis on supporting African Union (AU) efforts grounded in African leadership and solutions.
The Alarming Spread of Terrorism
Ms. Mohammed highlighted terrorism as the most significant threat to peace, security, and sustainable development in Africa today. She presented sobering statistics, revealing the devastating toll of terrorism on the continent:
- Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for nearly 59% of global terrorism-related deaths.
- The Sahel region is “ground zero” for one of the world’s most severe crises, with over 6,000 terrorism-related deaths recorded annually for three consecutive years.
- Burkina Faso now leads the world in terrorism deaths, experiencing a staggering 68% increase.
- Al-Qaeda and ISIL affiliates have extended their reach to coastal countries in West Africa, with violent attacks surging by over 250% in two years.
Emerging and Persistent Threats
Ms. Mohammed pointed to the rise of new terrorist groups, such as ‘Lakurawa,’ conducting cross-border attacks in northwest Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. Additionally, there are increasing risks of infiltration and radicalization in Ghana’s northern regions, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria.
Long-standing threats persist in other regions:
- Al-Shabaab continues its reign of terror in Somalia.
- The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) operate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama carries out violence in Mozambique.
These groups not only terrorize communities but also commit sexual and gender-based violence, exploit children, and forcibly recruit them into their ranks.
A Warning for West Africa
“Let us make no mistake. At this rate, in West Africa, the future is at stake,” Ms. Mohammed warned. She noted that the marginalization of youth and soaring unemployment have left an entire generation vulnerable to extremist groups.
“If we don’t act, we risk losing this generation to the horrors of terrorism, their futures stolen before they even have a chance to begin,” she cautioned.
A Call for Innovation and Action
Ms. Mohammed emphasized the need for innovative approaches to counter-terrorism, centered on respect for human rights and the rule of law. She pointed to the Pact for the Future, adopted in September by UN Member States, as a framework for renewed global efforts against terrorism.
She outlined three priority areas for action:
- Addressing the Root Causes of Terrorism: Tackling poverty, inequality, and fragility that foster extremism.
- Human Rights-Based Approaches: Ensuring counter-terrorism efforts are grounded in accountable and inclusive institutions.
- Regional Cooperation: Aligning strategies and fostering unified efforts across borders.
The Importance of Flexible Funding
Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, reported over 3,400 terrorist attacks and nearly 13,900 fatalities on the continent last year. He stressed the need for sustainable and flexible funding to support peace enforcement in counter-terrorism efforts.
Ambassador Adeoye called for the swift activation of Council Resolution 2719 (2023), which allows African-led peace missions to access UN funding. “This would be a significant step forward for the African Union in its efforts to combat terrorism across the continent,” he stated.
A Shared Responsibility
The Security Council meeting underscored the critical role of international collaboration in combating terrorism. With Africa bearing the brunt of global terrorism’s impact, decisive action, sustained funding, and innovation are vital to countering this growing threat and securing a peaceful future for the continent.
