On Friday, 21 June 2024, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Permanent Mission of Algeria to the United Nations co-hosted the launch of two Trends Alerts on counter-terrorism and border management in Africa. The event brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, and civil society to highlight challenges Member States in Africa face in managing their borders in the context of counter-terrorism. It also featured actionable recommendations for enhancing border management across the African continent.
During her opening remarks, CTED Executive Director Ms. Natalia Gherman emphasized that the two reports, which are “informed by the Counter-Terrorism Committee’s assessments in Africa, highlight the unique circumstances in many border towns and regions in Africa: they are points of vulnerability and often geographically located far from the reach and resources of central governments…” The reports also “offer a useful guide to national and international policymakers, as well as donors and technical assistance providers, to direct their attention and resources”.
Noting the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing terrorism, during his opening remarks, Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations and Committee Chair Mr. Amar Bendjama pointed to the importance of tackling the root causes of terrorism. He emphasized the socioeconomic factors fuelling extremism, especially in border communities.
Mr. Haruna Isabirye, Minister Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations, expressed appreciation to CTED and other partners for their steadfast cooperation and support in enhancing Uganda’s counter-terrorism capabilities. He also highlighted vital progress made by Uganda in the area of counter-terrorism and border management since the Committee’s 2019 visit to the country, as well as remaining challenges.
Presenting the key findings of the Trends Alerts, Ms. Uyo Yenwong-Fai from CTED noted that knowledge gaps among national officials, the physical conditions of border posts, and governance and socioeconomic difficulties were some of the factors hampering effective border management in Africa.
Ms. Anne-Maria Seesmaa from CTED further outlined CTED’s extensive work in promoting effective border management in Africa, including through the range of partnerships it has engaged in and its role in the facilitation of technical assistance.
