UN: Launch of studies on counter-terrorism, border management in Africa

Algeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) organized on Friday an event at the UN headquarters to launch a series of studies on counter-terrorism and border management in Africa.

In the face of the growing terrorist threat in Africa, this event highlighted two key reports entitled: “Counter-Terrorism and Border Management in Africa: Fundamental and Cross-Cutting Challenges” and “Counter-Terrorism and Border Management in Africa: Technical and Capacity-Related Gaps.”

Based on CTED assessments in 15 African nations from 2018 to 2023, these reports summarized the most relevant recommendations of the Counter-Terrorism Committee regarding border management.

Ambassador Amar Bendjama, Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN and Chairman of the Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee, kicked off the session by underscoring the need for united action against terrorism, calling it “the main threat to peace and security in Africa.”

He further insisted on the importance of a comprehensive approach that tackles both the manifestations of terrorism and its root causes.

Ambassador Bendjama advocated for a significant bolstering of border management capabilities, along with calling for greater investment in infrastructure, technology and human resources.

The event brought together prominent experts, including Natalia Gherman, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of CTED.

This initiative is part of a broader approach aimed at boosting international cooperation in combating terrorism.

As the African Union’s counter-terrorism coordinator, Algeria reaffirmed its commitment to several continental projects, notably the development of a new AU action plan and the activation of the African Counter-Terrorism Fund.