Publication:

Communiqué of the 1237th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council held on 23 October 2024 on the Consideration of the AU Commission Report on Combating Terrorism in the Continent.

The Council acknowledged the increasing threat of terrorism in Africa, which undermines its "Silencing the Guns" initiative and development goals. Commending the AU Commission, AFRIPOL, and Algerian President Tebboune for counter-terrorism efforts, the Council stressed that African countries must lead these efforts, supported by AU bodies and partners. The Council further expressed concern over terrorism financing and its ties to organized crime, emphasizing enhanced cooperation and sovereignty and encouraged comprehensive, inclusive approaches involving civil society, media, and religious leaders to address terrorism’s root causes and structural drivers. The Council also underscored the need for stable counter-terrorism funding, the operationalization of an AU Counter-Terrorism Special Fund, and coordinated efforts with UN bodies. It emphasized technology investments to counter terrorists’ use of drones and advanced methods, and integration of climate adaptation into security strategies. Lastly, the Council called for programs to support terror victims and interfaith dialogue to foster tolerance and prevent radicalization.