Fight against Terrorism: Algeria Proposes Creation of African Fund to Combat Extremism
BY: Hana Saada
Moscow, August 15, 2023 – In a compelling plea for international collaboration against terrorism, General Said Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the Algerian People’s National Army (ANP), addressed participants at the 11th International Security Conference in Moscow through a videoconference on Tuesday. The general put forward Algeria’s bold proposition: the establishment of an African fund dedicated to combating terrorism across the continent.
General Chanegriha outlined Algeria’s commitment to the cause, revealing the nation’s intention to contribute a substantial sum of one billion dollars to bolster the fight against terrorism in Africa. This financial commitment is expected to support the development and stability of other African nations, marking a significant stride in regional security efforts.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, within the framework of the African Union (AU), has called for a comprehensive roadmap to tackle extremism on the continent. This initiative is set to encompass various strategies aimed at curbing the influence of extremist ideologies and activities. Furthermore, the proposal includes the creation of an African fund specifically dedicated to counterterrorism endeavors.
Highlighting Algeria’s multifaceted approach to fostering African progress, General Chanegriha emphasized the nation’s commitment to not only combat terrorism but also actively contribute to the economic growth of fellow African countries. With the release of a one-billion-dollar fund, Algeria aims to invest in a range of pan-African projects. These projects, spanning various sectors, seek to foster collaboration, uplift communities, and facilitate sustainable development across the continent.
“Algeria will invest $1 billion to create a fund to support the peoples of the continent, invest in joint development projects with African countries as part of a large-scale Pan-African mobilization plan until 2063,” explained General Chanegriha during his address. He further stressed the importance of allowing development to unfold naturally, devoid of external interference, and cautioned against artificial attempts at destabilization.
This call to action comes at a time when international efforts against terrorism are evolving rapidly. The proposed African fund, along with Algeria’s unwavering commitment, has the potential to unite African nations in a collective effort to confront terrorism and its underlying causes head-on.
