UNSC ARRIA-FORMULA MEETING: COMBATING THE RISE OF TERRORISM AND VIOLENT EXTREMISM IN WEST AFRICA AND THE SAHEL
19 June 2024
Statement by Permanent Representative to the UN, H.E. Ambassador James Larsen, Australian Mission to the United Nations
Thank you, President.
The threat of terrorism and violent extremism in Africa poses new and complex challenges.
In our experience, it is important to tackle the threat on three levels. First, through prevention. Second, through capacity building and third, through coordination.
In relation to prevention, this is a complex task, specific to individual and country circumstances and requires addressing root causes.
Australia commends the groundbreaking work of the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding.
We were pleased to support its delivery of a course on ‘Enhancing the Role of Women Community Leaders in Preventing Radicalisation and Extremism Leading to Terrorism’ in Nigeria.
Addressing the impacts of climate change is also critical. West Africa and the Sahel is a region highly vulnerable to climate change, which we know exacerbates existing risk factors, including food insecurity, displacement, and conflict.
Second, in terms of building capacity and cooperation across key law enforcement actors, this is vital to delivering regional solutions.
Australia is pleased to contribute to Africa’s efforts. This includes supporting the International Counter Terrorism Academy in Cote d’Ivoire, to provide training to more than 1,000 security personnel from 26 countries in West Africa and the Sahel.
Australia also provides support to the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism in Rabat to deliver specialised training to law enforcement officials across the region.
Thirdly, responding to the magnitude and complexity of the challenge in Africa requires greater coordination – including at the international level.
We welcome strengthened cooperation between the Security Council and the African Union. We highlight the need to ensure the Council’s sanctions regimes are effective in targeting terrorist entities, their leaders and enablers that provide arms, funds and recruits.
Australia also welcomes the Security Council’s inclusion of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence as an eligible designation criterion under the 1267 Da’esh (ISIL) and Al Qaida sanctions regime.
Australia remains committed to supporting African-led efforts to combat these acute challenges.
Thank you.