UNSC: OPEN DEBATE – MAINTENANCE OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY – COUNTERING TERRORISM IN AFRICA
21 January 2025
STATEMENT BY H.E REBECCA BRYANT, AMBASSADOR AND DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF AUSTRALIA TO THE UN
Thank you President,
We thank Algeria for convening today’s meeting on this issue of global significance. We also thank the other participants for their valuable contributions.
The Australian Government is deeply concerned by the escalating threat of terrorism across Africa and the destabilising impact it has on regional security and development.
We condemn all acts of terrorism and are committed to supporting efforts to defeat terrorists wherever they are.
Terrorism impedes sustainable development and erodes human rights. It undermines economic growth, food security and social cohesion.
It exacerbates displacement and compounds instability.
The growth of terrorism in Africa also has implications for the fight against terrorism elsewhere.
Terrorist affiliates in Africa are playing a significant role in financing and resourcing terrorism in other vulnerable countries and regions.
President,
We know the fight against terrorism needs sustained international effort.
In this regard, we acknowledge the important work of our international counterparts, and the valuable and increasing collaboration between the UN, the African Union and other regional bodies.
We welcome the Security Council’s recent endorsement of providing UN assessed contributions to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia. This is an important milestone in the international community’s support for African-led security efforts.
As a member of the UN Peacebuilding Commission in 2025, Australia looks forward to strengthening the relationship between the Commission and the African Union.
Since 2021, Australia has invested over AUD12 million towards countering the threat of terrorism and extremism across Africa through community-based initiatives in collaboration with regional partners.
We support capacity-building measures for African security forces through the International Counter-Terrorism Academy in Cote D’Ivoire and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism training facility in Morocco.
President,
We recognise that conflict prevention, peacebuilding and community engagement remain key elements in addressing security challenges across Africa.
We also acknowledge the need to address the drivers of radicalization and terrorism, including climate change, which significantly impacts both our regions.
Australia’s development investments in climate resilient agriculture and food security, including the new Africa-Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture, will bolster Africa’s ability to withstand the escalating impacts of climate change and combat food insecurity, thereby reducing some of the drivers of radicalization and terrorism.
Australia remains committed to supporting African-led efforts and African solutions in addressing these issues.
Thank you.