United Nations, New York – The A3+ group within the United Nations Security Council has emphasized the critical need for enhanced regional coordination in the fight against terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel region. The call came during a Security Council session on Thursday, where member states highlighted the importance of supporting regional mechanisms designed to counter this transnational threat.
The A3+, comprised of African member states on the Security Council, underscored that terrorism poses a significant threat to the security and stability of the entire region. The group stressed that a fragmented approach to combating terrorism is insufficient to address the complex and evolving nature of terrorist networks operating across borders.
“Effective counter-terrorism strategies require a unified front,” a representative of the A3+ stated. “We must strengthen cooperation between regional actors, share intelligence, and coordinate our efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and prevent the spread of extremism.”
The A3+ also reiterated its support for existing regional initiatives aimed at combating terrorism, including the G5 Sahel Joint Force and the Accra Initiative. The group urged the international community to provide increased financial and technical assistance to these initiatives, enabling them to more effectively address the root causes of terrorism and build the capacity of local security forces.
Furthermore, the A3+ emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying conditions that contribute to the spread of terrorism, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education and economic opportunities. The group called for a comprehensive approach that combines security measures with development initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive governance, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
The Security Council is expected to continue its deliberations on the situation in West Africa and the Sahel region in the coming weeks, with a focus on identifying concrete steps to strengthen regional cooperation and support efforts to combat terrorism and promote lasting peace and stability.
