The United Nations has declared Africa as the “epicenter of global terrorism,” with the Sahel region bearing the brunt of the violence.
This grim assessment was made during an open debate of the UN Security Council on the fight against terrorism in Africa.
According to UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, over 6,000 deaths linked to terrorism occurred in the Sahel last year, accounting for more than half of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide.
“Africa remains the epicenter of global terrorism,” Ms. Mohammed stated, emphasizing the alarming statistics. Nearly 60 percent of all terrorism-related murders globally occur in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
The Sahel region faces the most significant threat, with a staggering number of casualties. Burkina Faso has witnessed a dramatic surge in terrorist attacks, solidifying its position as one of the most affected countries.
The UN Security Council debate underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated international effort to address the root causes of terrorism in Africa and counter the growing threat posed by terrorist groups.
Burkina Faso leads in global terrorism deaths
Burkina Faso has tragically emerged as the country with the highest number of terrorism-related deaths globally, with a staggering two-thirds increase in fatalities in recent years. This grim reality underscores the escalating threat of terrorism across the African continent, particularly in the Sahel region.
According to UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, over 6,000 deaths linked to terrorism occurred in the Sahel last year, accounting for more than half of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide. This alarming statistic solidifies Africa’s position as the “epicenter of global terrorism.”
The threat extends beyond the Sahel, with coastal countries also witnessing a dramatic surge in attacks by groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Ms. Mohammed emphasized that terrorism thrives in environments of fragility and poverty, inequality, and disillusionment. When development financing dwindles, institutions are weak, and women and youth are excluded from decision-making processes, the risk of radicalization and recruitment increases significantly.
To effectively combat this growing threat, Ms. Mohammed stressed the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of terrorism. This includes focusing on development, strengthening governance, and ensuring the equal participation of all members of society. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of human rights-based approaches to counter-terrorism, ensuring that counter-terrorism measures do not violate human rights.
The situation in Burkina Faso serves as a stark reminder of the urgency and severity of the terrorism threat in Africa. Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach that tackles both the security and development dimensions of this complex issue.
UN urges regional action on African terrorism
The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, has emphasized the critical role of regional cooperation in effectively combating terrorism in Africa. Speaking at a UN Security Council debate on the issue, Ms. Mohammed stressed that the African Union (AU) must play a leading role in coordinating national and international efforts.
“Regional cooperation is the backbone of any effective counter-terrorism strategy,” she stated.
AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for “development-oriented” approaches to counter-terrorism. He emphasized the importance of the AU Counter-Terrorism Centre and the ongoing development of a new Continental Strategic Action Plan to ensure the sustainability of the fight against terrorism.
Said Djinnit, representing the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Conflicts (ACCORD), stressed the importance of strong state structures in countries affected by terrorism. “We have seen that when civilians oppose terrorism and feel protected by their state and its defense and security structures, counterterrorism efforts are more successful,” he said.
The debate underscored the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to counter-terrorism in Africa, addressing both the security and development dimensions of this complex challenge.
TE/Sf/fss/abj/APA