The United Kingdom (UK) has called for enhanced regional collaboration and political engagement to address the escalating threat of terrorism across West Africa and the Sahel.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council session on Tuesday, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, Ambassador James Kariuki, highlighted the rising influence of Islamic State and Al-Qaeda affiliates in the region and their devastating impact on civilians.
“The fuel blockade in Mali imposed by Al-Qaeda-affiliate JNIM demonstrates the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by these groups,” Kariuki said.
He outlined three critical priorities for counterterrorism efforts.
Kariuki emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among West African states, welcoming increased engagement through ECOWAS, the African Union’s Sahel Office (AES), and the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). He stressed that regionally-led initiatives, including the proposed standby force for rapid deployment and the Multinational Joint Taskforce, are vital to curbing terrorist activity
“The Security Council resolution 2719 can serve as a valuable tool to support AU-led peace operations,” he added.
The UK reaffirmed its commitment to African-led security programs, citing funding and training support for Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Côte d’Ivoire’s Counter-Terrorism Academy, and the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit, which aids the Multinational Joint Taskforc
“These initiatives strengthen intelligence sharing and enhance regional resilience,” Kariuki noted, urging nations to carefully select security partners to prevent unintended escalation of threats.
Kariuki stressed that security interventions alone are insufficient without tackling underlying issues such as governance deficits, poverty, disinformation, limited civic space, and climate chang
“Without progress in these areas, conflict and terrorism will continue to destroy local communities and disrupt livelihoods, disproportionately affecting women and children,” he warned.
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