Terr0rist groups expanding across West Africa, Sahel – UK
Terrorist groups expanding across West Africa, Sahel – UK
The United Kingdom has voiced its concern about the continued expansion of Islamic State and Al-Qaeda affiliates across West Africa and the Sahel.
James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, issued the alert on Tuesday during a United Nations Security Council meeting on West Africa.
The ambassador noted that the worsening situation was driving instability in several countries, where terrorists are carrying out deadly attacks against civilians.
According to Kariuki, the fuel blockade in Mali imposed by Al-Qaeda-affiliate, JNIM, demonstrates the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by the groups.
The UK envoy stressed that regional security and political cooperation were critical to addressing the threat of terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel.
Commending UNOWAS’s efforts to facilitate cooperation, he recognized the increased engagement between countries and encouraged ECOWAS and AES members to deepen dialogue.
Kariuki praised the work on a standby force to enable deployment to counter threats, and the work to build on the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and ECOWAS’ Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
“The landmark Security Council resolution 2719 offers a potential tool through UN support to AU-led peace operations,” the diplomat added.
Affirming the UK’s commitment to supporting African-led measures to promote stability and security, he said the initiatives help strengthen intelligence sharing and regional resilience.
He cited Britain’s funding and training for Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Côte d’Ivoire’s Counter Terrorism Academy, and the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit, which supports the MNJTF.
Kariuki, however, told states in the region “to choose security partners carefully to avoid worsening the threat posed,” and advised them to address the drivers of terrorism and insecurity.
The ambassador urged the governments to improve governance, reduce poverty, counter disinformation, protect civic space, and tackle climate change.
Kariuki warned that unless the issues are fixed, “conflict and terrorism will continue to destroy local communities and disrupt livelihoods, with disproportionate harm to women and children.”
