Algeria Chairs UN Security Council Meeting on Combating Terrorism in Africa
On behalf of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, will preside over the UN Security Council ministerial meeting on “Combating Terrorism in Africa” in New York on Tuesday.
This high-level event, a highlight of Algeria’s presidency of the Security Council for January, aims to discuss the expansion of terrorist activities in Africa and their impact on the continent’s security and stability.
In a recent press conference, Attaf emphasized Algeria’s commitment to raising awareness of the persistent threat of terrorism in Africa. President Tebboune, as Africa’s spokesperson on counterterrorism, is tasked with addressing this issue on behalf of the continent.
In an interview with AL24 News, Attaf noted that Algeria’s initiative to hold this meeting stems from the need to refocus international attention on terrorism in Africa, particularly given its alarming growth. He highlighted four key factors driving this initiative, including the observed expansion of terrorism in Africa, even as it declines elsewhere.
Attaf described how terrorist groups in Africa have evolved into “terrorist armies,” with significant recruitment and access to sophisticated weaponry, employing advanced military tactics and strategies. This transformation underscores the urgency of international engagement to address the threat.
During the meeting, Algeria will propose a presidential statement emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism, including addressing its socioeconomic dimensions. A similar statement was adopted by the Security Council in March 2020.
Algeria’s recent diplomatic achievements include the adoption of the “Algerian Guidelines” on countering the financing of terrorism. These principles, established under Algeria’s chairmanship of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, provide a new international framework for tackling the misuse of financial innovations by terrorist groups.
As Algeria marks one year of its 2024-2025 mandate on the Security Council, its leadership in counterterrorism efforts leaves a significant legacy. The adoption of the “Algerian Guidelines” is a testament to its historic contributions to global peace and security.
