UN Calls for Enhanced Global Support Against Terrorism in Africa

The United Nations Security Council members have urged for greater international support for African countries battling terrorism, particularly highlighting the ongoing threat posed by the Islamic State terrorist group in regions such as the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, and parts of Central Africa. During a security council briefing, Somalia’s representative emphasized the need for national ownership of counter-terrorism programs.

Jocelyne Lukundula, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, called for increased support for Africa’s counter-terrorism initiatives. Lewis Brown, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, noted that sub-Saharan Africa accounts for over half of global terrorism fatalities and warned of the expansion of extremist groups towards coastal West African nations.

Oguljeren Niyazberdiyeva, Chief of the Office of the Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, presented the UN Secretary-General’s 23rd report on ISIL, identifying the Islamic State West Africa Province as the most active ISIL affiliate globally. She highlighted the group's adaptation to decentralized operations and the exploitation of emerging technologies for recruitment and coordination.