Amina J. Mohammed calls for action against terrorism in Africa
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Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, has called for urgent action against the rising threat of terrorism in Africa, highlighting the continent as a central focus for global terrorism. Speaking to the UN Security Council on January 21, she warned that terrorism, in its many forms, now poses the most significant threat to peace, security, and sustainable development across Africa.
Mohammed pointed out that Sub-Saharan Africa is responsible for nearly 59 percent of all global terrorism-related deaths. The Sahel region, in particular, has become the epicenter of one of the most severe crises, with terrorism-related fatalities surpassing 6,000 for three consecutive years, making up more than half of the world’s total terrorism deaths.
One of the most alarming statistics is the dramatic rise in terrorism in Burkina Faso, which has seen a shocking 68 percent increase in deaths from terrorism. Despite this, the country has received minimal international support to address the growing crisis.
The Deputy Secretary-General also noted the spread of terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida and the Islamic State to the coastal nations of West Africa, where violent incidents have surged by over 250 percent in just two years. She stressed that if this trend continues, the future of West Africa would be at serious risk. She also expressed concern over the evolving tactics of these terrorist organizations, which are now collaborating more closely, sharing resources such as fighters, finances, and expertise, and leveraging advanced technologies, including drones.
Mohammed emphasized the need for the international community to adapt its counter-terrorism strategies in response to these evolving threats. She called for strategies that prioritize human rights and the rule of law while also addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, political instability, and social exclusion. “As terrorism adapts, so must our response,” she declared.
In a related discussion, Bankole Adeoye, the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, reported that the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre in Algiers documented over 3,400 terrorist attacks in 2024 alone, leading to more than 13,900 deaths. Adeoye described the situation as one of alarming urgency, urging the international community to unite in its response to the growing threat of terrorism across the continent.
Ahmed Attaf, Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, echoed these concerns, urging the global community not to abandon Africa in its fight against terrorism. He warned that the successes of Africa are intertwined with the broader global community, and any setbacks in the continent’s efforts to combat terrorism would have far-reaching negative effects worldwide.
Musa Timothy Kabba, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, voiced concern about the withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSMA, from Mali, and the security vacuum left behind by this disengagement. He stressed the importance of continued support for the region, particularly from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in combating terrorism and maintaining stability.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, underscored the essential role played by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) in promoting peace and security in the country. He emphasized that military solutions alone are insufficient in addressing terrorism, advocating instead for a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, political instability, and weak governance.
The collective message from these leaders is clear: Africa is facing a severe and escalating threat from terrorism, and immediate action is required from both African and international actors to address the root causes of this violence and to provide the necessary resources and support to affected nations. With terrorism continuing to adapt and evolve, counter-terrorism strategies must also evolve to meet the changing challenges, ensuring the protection of human rights and the promotion of sustainable peace and security across the continent.
As the situation continues to unfold, the global community must recognize the interconnectedness of Africa’s struggles with global peace and stability, and work together to secure a safer future for all.
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