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Statement on counter-terrorism in Africa

Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at an open debate on counter-terrorism in Africa under the agenda item “Maintenance of international peace and security”

Thank you Mr. President.

I also want to thank the Algerian Presidency for convening this timely debate. I also thank the Deputy Secretary-General Ms. Mohammed as well as our briefers Mr. Adeoye and Mr. Djinnit for their insights on the threat of terrorism in Africa, on its drivers and ways to fight them. We also highly appreciate the first hand testimonies of the African ministers this morning.

Slovenia remains deeply concerned about spreading of terrorism across parts of Africa, particularly in the Sahel region and West Africa. Growing presence, activity and consolidation of territorial control by terrorist groups is further fuelling instability and suffering. Civilian suffering is further increased by new technologies, including drones and other forms of remote violence. Today, I would like to focus on three main issues related to strengthening the leadership in our joint action.

First, in the world of today, no state can defeat terrorism alone. Terrorism does not abide by and is not restricted to national borders. It is therefore essential to improve support and cooperation, including intelligence and information sharing and joint border management.

Slovenia supports inter-governmental platforms for security cooperation between and among all Member States. The United Nations, as well as regional organizations, such as African Union and ECOWAS, are well equipped to support such cooperation. The Accra Initiative, the AU Counter Terrorism Centre, and the regional counter-terrorism centres are cases in point.

Strained relations among countries must not hinder collaboration, including with the members of the Alliance of Sahel States, especially when it comes to addressing threats to international peace and security.

Counter-terrorism efforts can include cooperation on countering terrorist financing, anti-money laundering and digital financial services. These activities often expand across borders and therefore require regular exchange between regional bodies and on international level. Cooperation and synergies among different counter-terrorism initiatives would also be beneficial.

Secondly, we are increasingly concerned over the rising nexus between terrorism and transnational organized crime activities.

Further, we are additionally alarmed by growing involvement of foreign terrorist fighters in some African regions.

Highly trained foreign terrorist fighters present a number of threats: Upon returning to the countries of origin, they can boost the capabilities of local terrorist groups. They can project a wider cross-regional threat to committing terrorist acts. While recognizing the significant challenges due to the lack of resources required, we believe strengthening border control and implementation of terrorist travel prevention programs is vital to start tackling this issue.

Thirdly, Slovenia emphasizes the importance of long-term and sustainable effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts. They need to be comprehensive, inclusive and must address the underlying drivers of terrorism and violent extremism. This includes tackling social and economic circumstances, inequality, human rights violations and abuses, effects of climate change and competition for natural resources as well as intra- and inter-communal tensions. Terrorists exploit these factors for recruitment and spreading of their propaganda.

And to echo the Deputy Secretary-General, an indispensable part of counter-terrorism fight is building resilient societies. And in this context, access to education is the best deterrent to recruitment.

Mr. President,

Comprehensive, whole-of-society, whole-of-government and gender responsive approaches that comply with international law should be implemented. Close engagement with civil society, including with women’s organizations, as well as ensuring women’s full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership is crucial in this context. 

Let me conclude by reiterating our call on all states to strengthen cooperation and extend meaningful support to the most affected countries. The fight against terrorism is an area where states should be able to agree on.

In the end, no one is safe unless everyone is safe.

Thank you.

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