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Terrorism intensifying across Africa, exploiting instability and conflict — Global Issues


“Terrorists and violent extremists including Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates have taken advantage of instability and conflict to increase their activities and intensify attacks. public across the continent”, Amina Mohammed speak on behalf of of the Secretary General António Guterres.

“Their senseless terrorist violence has left thousands dead and injured and many more continue to suffer the broader impact of terrorism on their lives and livelihoods.”

Spread the terror

With the core aberrations in the ideology of many terrorist groups, women and girls in particular are bearing the brunt of insecurity and inequality.

The skyline beyond the northern suburbs of Mogadishu is seen through a bullet hole in the window of a hotel in Somalia.

UN Photo / Price Stuart

The skyline beyond the northern suburbs of Mogadishu is seen through a bullet hole in the window of a hotel in Somalia.

And in the past two years, some of Da’esh’s most violent branches have expandedincreasing their presence in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger as well as moving south into the Gulf of Guinea.

“Terrorist groups and violent extremists exacerbate instability and human suffering. And they can push a country that is rising from war back into the depths of conflict,” the senior UN official reminded.

Countries are at stake

Meanwhile, terrorists, non-State armed groups and criminal networks often pursue different agendas and strategies, fueled by smuggling, human trafficking and other methods. other forms of illegal funding – sometimes impersonating the legitimate armed forces.

And as digital tools spread hate and misinformation, terrorists and other criminal groups are exploiting inter-communal tensions and food insecurity caused by climate change. cause.

Globalization of terrorism

In today’s hyper-connected world, Ms. Mohammed stressed that the spread of terrorism in Africa “is not a concern exclusively for African member states”.

“The challenge belongs to all of us. Countering international terrorism requires effective multilateral responsesshe flagged.

From the climate emergency to armed conflict, poverty and inequality to lawless cyberspace, and the uneven recovery from COVID-19She also points out that terrorism is converging with other threats.

For a holistic, holistic approach, the United Nations Deputy Chief of Staff cited the New Agenda for Peace – part of the Our Common Agenda report.

Amid growing polarization, she asserted, it proposes ways to address risks and restore our shared system of peace and security.

Menaka in the northeast of Mali is experiencing increasing insecurity as a result of attacks by terrorist groups and other armed groups.

MINUSMA / Gema Cortes

Menaka in the northeast of Mali is experiencing increasing insecurity as a result of attacks by terrorist groups and other armed groups.

Repel the horror

Outlining five proposals to advance counter-terrorism efforts in Africa, Ms. Mohammed reminded that “Prevention is still our best response“.

“We must address the instability and conflict that can lead to terrorism in the first place, as well as the conditions used by terrorists to pursue their agenda.”

Second, she calls for community-based, gender-sensitive “whole society” approaches.

Noting the “complex links between terrorism, patriarchy and gender-based violence,” she said counterterrorism policies need to be “underpinned by meaningful participation and leadership.” meaning of women and girls”.

She emphasized on the third point that “fighting terrorism can never be an excuse to violate human rights or international law” as it will “only set us back”.

Fourth, she emphasized the importance of regional organizations that can address the challenges posed by violent extremist and terrorist groups in the local context.

Finally, Ms. Mohamed called for “sustainable and predictable funding” to prevent and combat terrorism.

From economic deprivation to organized crime and governance challenges, “the magnitude of the problem requires bold investment,” she told ambassadors.

Concluding, the Deputy Secretary-General welcomed the planned October 2023 Summit on Combating Terrorism in Africa as an opportunity to consider ways to strengthen United Nations efforts in the region. whole continent.

She expressed confidence that today’s debate will provide insights for the summit and “help build peaceful, stable communities and societies across the continent”.

Restoration Agency: President of Ghana

Chairing her country meeting as Council President in November, Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, endorsed the importance of restoring effective State power and promoting good governance. comprehensive control over the continent. He also called on the Council to support AU-led counterterrorism operations, including predictable funding.

The President of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, drew attention during his press conference, on the daily physical and psychological damage caused by terrorism and reminded that Conventional responses and old paradigms are no longer relevant to combat evolving threats in the field.

And as terrorism expands to new areas of the continent, Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, Executive Director of Joint Security and Defense Policy and Crisis Response in the diplomatic wing of the European Union (European External Action Service) notes the need to support security while emphasizing the role of sustainable development in fostering peace.

Comfort Ero, President and CEO of the International Crisis Group, also briefed the Council, asserting that military and technical solutions will not end threats on their own. terrorism, calls for a new counterterrorism toolkit that includes more dialogue with armed groups and could promote local ceasefires.

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