✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | June 23rd, 2024 — Despite the measures taken by the continent and the security response mechanisms within the framework of the anti-terrorism strategy, Africa remains vulnerable to this threat.
Factors Contributing to Vulnerability
Several reasons contribute to this situation. Beyond external contingencies, internal factors include:
– Porous Borders: Inherited from colonial times, the porous nature of African borders facilitates the movement of terrorist groups.
– Lack of Military Training: Many African armies lack adequate training to effectively combat terrorism.
– Insufficient Resources: The lack of resources hampers the ability to address terrorist threats.
– Poverty and Precarity: Poverty provides fertile ground for extremism and radicalism to thrive.
Moreover, terrorism in Africa has established connections with other criminal activities such as smuggling, drug and arms trafficking, and human trafficking, primarily operating along borders.
United Nations Conference
This issue was the focal point of a United Nations conference, as highlighted in a communiqué from the Algerian Press Service (APS). The permanent representation of Algeria to the United Nations and the Executive Directorate of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (DECT) organized an event last Friday, launching a series of studies on counter-terrorism and border management in Africa. This underscores the need for vigilance as terrorist groups from the Middle East have infiltrated the continent, creating sanctuaries. Even international forces, notably the French in the Sahel, the most affected region, have struggled to contain the expansion of terrorist and criminal activities that fund terrorist operations.
Crucial Reports on Border Management
In response to the persistent expansion of terrorist threats in Africa, the event showcased two critical reports titled “Counter-Terrorism and Border Management in Africa: Fundamental and Cross-Cutting Challenges” and “Counter-Terrorism and Border Management in Africa: Technical and Capacity Gaps.” These reports, based on DECT evaluations conducted between 2018 and 2023 in 15 African countries, distilled the most relevant recommendations from the Counter-Terrorism Committee on border management.
Advocacy for a Comprehensive Approach
Opening the session, Ambassador Amar Bendjama, Algeria’s permanent representative to the UN and chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council, emphasized the urgency of collective action against the terrorist threat, calling it the “main danger to peace and security in Africa.” He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both the manifestations of terrorism and its root causes. He advocated for a significant strengthening of border management capacities, increased investment in infrastructure, technology, and human resources.
Expert Discussions and International Cooperation
The event brought together high-level experts, including Ms. Natalia Gherman, Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director of DECT. The event featured a discussion panel that delved deeply into the issues raised by the reports, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session with the audience. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
Algeria’s Commitment
As the African Union’s coordinator for counter-terrorism, Algeria reaffirmed its commitment to several continental projects, including the development of a new AU action plan and the operationalization of the African Counter-Terrorism Fund. The event saw significant participation both in-person and online, reflecting the international community’s serious concern about this issue.
The emphasis on a collaborative, well-resourced approach to counter-terrorism and the strengthening of border management capabilities is essential. Addressing the intertwined issues of poverty and criminal activities that fuel terrorism remains a critical component in securing lasting peace and stability in Africa.
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