President Tebboune Leads African Counter-Terrorism Push, Emphasizes Financing Fight
The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) has commended President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for his dedicated efforts as the African Union Champion in combating terrorism and violent extremism. This commendation was issued in a communiqué adopted during the Council's 1369th ministerial-level meeting held in New York, which addressed regional security challenges and terrorism in Africa. The Council specifically recognized President Tebboune's leadership in advancing the African Union's agenda to counter terrorism and violent extremism across the continent.
Algeria, through its State Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, reiterated its firm commitment to prioritizing the fight against terrorism financing and disrupting its sources. During the same meeting, Minister Attaf highlighted Algeria's focus on countering the exploitation of advanced technologies for terrorist purposes, referencing the "Algiers Guiding Principles" adopted by the UN Security Council in January 2025 as a key framework for international efforts. Algeria's comprehensive approach, as emphasized by Attaf, posits that while military and security measures are essential, sustainable stability also necessitates development, reconciliation, strengthened state institutions, and addressing the root conditions that terrorist organizations exploit for recruitment and expansion.
The AUPSC has further called for the swift completion of key regional counter-terrorism tools, including the African Arrest Warrant and the African Terrorist Database, to enhance cross-border judicial cooperation and dismantle illicit supply networks. Additionally, the Council requested the development of a continental framework, aligned with AU Assembly Decision No. 978 from February 2026, to combat terrorists' use of emerging technologies such as drones, encrypted platforms, and digital financing, notably basing this framework on the "Algiers Guiding Principles" to ensure consistency with international standards. The Council also urged member states to ratify all African Union counter-terrorism instruments, particularly the OAU Convention from 1999 and its protocol, initially adopted in Algiers.
