Algeria is currently hosting a crucial African Union consultative workshop focused on developing a unified continental plan of action to combat terrorism across the continent. The workshop, which commenced today in Algiers, saw the participation of representatives from various regional economic communities, regional mechanisms, and officials from African Union institutions and partner organizations.
Salima Bekhta Mansouri, the Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of African Affairs, inaugurated the workshop. In her opening address, she emphasized that this initiative falls under the mandate entrusted to the President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in his capacity as the African Union’s leader in combating terrorism and preventing violent extremism. The primary goal is to mobilize political will at the continental level, strengthen African leadership in counter-terrorism efforts, and ensure that the continent’s priorities are integrated into relevant multilateral frameworks.
The Secretary of State further elaborated that the draft continental plan of action represents a pivotal step towards establishing a coordinated African response to address current threats, while also taking into account the specific context of the continent. She stressed the importance of adopting the project as a comprehensive reference framework to organize various forms of mobilization in the field of counter-terrorism. This, she noted, would enhance collective effectiveness and safeguard African strategic sovereignty.
Ms. Bekhta Mansouri also highlighted the central role played by the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT), and the Peace and Security Department of the African Union Commission in coordinating continental efforts and supporting the completion of this project. She affirmed that cooperation between African countries and their international partners is an essential element in ensuring the success of this vital initiative. The workshop is expected to produce a concrete roadmap for a more coordinated and effective approach to combating terrorism in Africa.
