(Note: A complete summary of today's Security Council meeting will be made available after its conclusion.)
Africa remains the epicentre of global terrorism, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 59 per cent of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide, the Security Council heard today, as speakers engaged in a day-long open debate to outline counter-terrorism initiatives that address the interconnected relationship among security, development and human rights.
"Terrorism is the most significant threat to peace, security and sustainable development across the African continent today," stated Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Describing the Sahel as "ground zero" for one of the world's most brutal crises, she said that for three years, terrorism-related deaths have soared past 6,000, making up more than half of all global fatalities. In this deadly surge, Burkina Faso is now leading the world in terrorism deaths with a staggering 68 per cent increase and "little support to help reverse the trend".
Painting a bleak picture of the threat's complexity, she said Al-Qaida and Da'esh affiliates have spread their deadly tentacles to West Africa's coastal countries, with violent attacks soaring by 250 per cent in two years. Terrorist groups, such as Al-Shabaab in Somalia, the Allied Democratic Forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama in Mozambique, continue to unleash horrific violence. They are not only terrorizing communities, but also inflicting unspeakable acts of sexual and gender-based violence, assaulting children and forcibly recruiting them into their ranks.
"At this rate, in West Africa, the future is at stake," she warned, stressing that the marginalization of youth, coupled with soaring unemployment, has left an entire generation vulnerable to extremist groups. "If we don't act, we risk losing this generation to the horrors of terrorism," she added.
However, she continued, "as terrorism evolves, so must we". Calling for innovative approaches to counter the scourge, she underscored that "regional cooperation is the linchpin of any effective counter-terrorism strategy". Fragmentation of counter-terrorism efforts only serves the perpetrators who thrive by sowing divisions, she pointed out, calling for united and urgent responses focused on fostering dialogue, trust and coordinated action.
African Solutions to African Problems
"The gravity of the threat caused by the exponential growth of terrorism in Africa is overwhelming and startling," observed Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security. In 2024 alone, the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre recorded over 3,400 attacks on the continent, which resulted in over 13,900 fatalities. Africa is "facing a damning challenge", he said, stressing: "We have reached a tipping point, and we must act together." For their part, he said that "our leaders in Africa continue to demonstrate the spirit of African solutions to African problems that works for all".
As an example, he pointed to the Multinational Joint Task Force in Chad and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which form strategic pathways to peacebuilding and promoting socioeconomic development in post-conflict settings. "These models are not merely beneficial, but essential for Africa's future," he said. Outlining the African Union's efforts to promote "development-focused counter-terrorism", he stressed that swift activation of resolution 2719 (2023) "would be a significant step forward for the African Union in its counter-terrorism initiatives".
Crucial Role of Civil Society in Fight against Terrorism
Also briefing the Council was Said Djinnit, Senior Adviser at the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Conflicts, who said that Africa's security has been severely weakened by various conflicts, resulting in grave human rights violations. "Over the years, terrorism in Africa has grown in scale," he added. Civilian populations - particularly women and young people - remain the primary victims. A strong State presence is crucial to enable local authorities to play a more active role in preventing extremism. "Their proximity to community places them in a unique position to address local grievances and foster resilience," he added.
He emphasized that counter-terrorism efforts are much more successful when civilians can resist terrorism and feel protected. Despite limited resources and restricted access, civil society organizations have actively contributed to facilitating community rehabilitation and ensuring that all sectors of society contribute to counterterrorism efforts. The African Union has developed strategies to this end; however, insufficient resources and political instability hinder such efforts.
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