UNSC Debate: Threats to international peace and security

Counterterrorism in Africa: An imperative for peace, security and development

[Thursday, 10 November 2022]

Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the UN

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Thank you, Mr. President.

Let me begin by expressing gratitude to you Excellency for your leadership of the Council, and congratulating the delegation of Ghana for organizing this important open debate on Counter Terrorism in Africa. UNSG’s observation last month in Mumbai, while paying tributes to the victims of 26/11 that “Terrorism is pure evil, one with which we can never compromise” is reflective of this issue’s gravity not just to Africa but to the entire world.

2. I also take this opportunity to thank the Deputy Secretary-General, H.E. Amina Mohammed and the AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat for their respective statements. I also thank Dr. Comfort Ero, President and CEO of International Crisis Group and H.E Charles Michel, President of the European Council for their useful insights.

3. Even after the end of colonialism for several decades now, many countries of Africa continue to face serious security threats from terrorism, armed groups, transnational organized crime, and drugs and arms trafficking. These challenges are negatively impacting their socio-economic development.

4. Terrorism’s footprint in Africa, particularly in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa regions has expanded significantly in recent years. This trend has constantly been highlighted by the Secretary General in his biannual report on the threat of ISIL, as well as by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team in its periodical reports. Ghana’s concept note for today’s debate also eloquently brings out the counter-terrorism challenges faced by African countries, particularly in the Sahel, Horn of Africa and Central Africa.

5. Terrorist groups in Africa continue to target civilians, security and peacekeeping forces across conflict zones and the worst recipients of their atrocities sadly have remained women, children, and the vulnerable sections of the population. Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, affiliated to Al-Qaida and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, have expanded their activities in and around the Sahel and West Africa towards the coastal regions. Al -Qaeda and the ISIS linked groups and Boko Haram have also continued to expand around the eastern and northern shores of Lake Chad. In Mozambique, the Islamic State in Central Africa Province or ISCAP has become emblematic of the influence of ISIL in Africa. The attacks by terrorist groups against UN peacekeepers, particularly through the use of IEDs, is particularly alarming.

6. A strong, effective and coherent response that reflects the international community’s collective commitment to defeat the scourge of terrorism is therefore essential in Africa as elsewhere. In this regard, I would like to submit the following points for consideration of this Council:

One, the threat of terrorism in Africa is real, is for all and not an isolated one. We live in an inter-connected and inter-dependent world. No one is safe unless everyone is safe. However, the response of the international community to the terrorist threat in Africa remains less than satisfactory. We have to show strong political will to help the African countries in addressing the threat of terrorism.

Two, easy access to new and emerging technologies has been further exploited by terrorist groups in Africa, for disseminating their propaganda, transferring funds and raising finances. Drones have been used to monitor the movement of security forces and peacekeepers making them vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Last month, India hosted a special meeting of the Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) of the Security Council to discuss this issue in a holistic manner. The Council’s collective resolve was reflected in the CTC’s adoption of the “Delhi Declaration on Countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes”. We hope that the Delhi Declaration would pave the way for formulation of a normative framework at the United Nations to address this threat.

Three, the ideological influence of the ISIL and Al-Qaida over their affiliates in Africa as well as linkages between them should not be underestimated. Following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the risk of ISIL affiliates and other terrorist groups in Africa imitating this in Africa remains high. In this context, we underline the need to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 2593.

Four, ISIL and Al-Qaeda affiliates may try to influence the national reconciliation efforts in countries which are trying to establish democratic institutions, by offering themselves as viable political stakeholders. Besides, such countries may also co-opt ISIL and Al-Qaida elements to achieve political stability and peace. Such efforts are not only futile but also dangerous. Terrorists are not wedded to the democratic polity nor have faith in democratic values. Engaging them in national reconciliation will only provide legitimacy to terrorism. What we need is a zero-tolerance policy to terrorism.

Five, we need to abandon double standards when dealing with terrorism. We cannot divide terrorists into good or bad categories, based on political convenience. All terrorists should be dealt with the same yardstick--which is to counter them without any exception of any kind.

Six, we need to acknowledge the links between terrorism, transnational organized crime and piracy. Such nexus facilitates trafficking of humans, drugs and illicit trade of small arms and light weapons. IEDs have become a weapon of choice for terrorist groups in Africa. While countries of the region need to show the political will and employ effective arms and ammunition management, efforts of states can be supported through capacity building by UN agencies aimed at breaking this nexus.

Seven, the Security Council must update its toolkit to deal with the increasing threat to international peace and security posed by terrorism. Giving robust mandates to UN peace operations have also not brought much success. The reason is simple: traditional peacekeeping cannot be the answer for countering terrorism.

Eight, regional and sub-regional organizations enjoy the advantages of language and situational awareness; they can respond more quickly and effectively to combating terrorism, having a better understanding of the complexities involved. The leading role of Africa to address African problems through African solutions, therefore needs to be supported. Regional security initiatives, such as ATMIS, SAMIM, MNJTF, G5 Sahel, have proven their resilience in effectively dealing with the threat of terrorism. These are Africa’s home-grown solutions, led by African countries that understand their issues best. The international community should provide sustainable and adequate financial and logistical support to these regional security initiatives. It is more so necessary in the backdrop of the receding presence of international security forces in the Sahel. Otherwise, affected countries will try and seek assistance elsewhere.

Nine, several states lack legal-operational frameworks and necessary capacities to counter the threat of terrorism. There are however other States that are clearly guilty of aiding and supporting terrorism, and willfully providing financial assistance and safe havens to terrorists. While we must enhance capacities of the former, the international community must collectively call out the latter and hold them accountable for their double speak.

Ten, the Council should remain wary of attempts and schemes to distract the fight against terrorism though any hypothetical cause-effect linkages. The issue of climate change should be addressed holistically through the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in accordance with its provisions and principles, and the Paris Agreement. We reiterate that no artificial link should be drawn between climate change and security related issues without any firm scientific basis.

Mr. President,

7. India has been contributing proactively to enhance the capacities of African states in combating terrorism. Since 2018, India contributed more than $1.5 million to UNOCT’s programs targeting capacity-building of countries in East and Southern Africa. This year too, as announced by the External Affairs Minister at the Delhi CTC Special Meeting in New Delhi, we have contributed half a million dollars to further strengthen these efforts. India has a robust security partnership with several countries of Africa aimed at building capacities of security forces, including for countering terrorism. India is committed to strengthening every effort of African states as well as the international community to fight terrorism and ensure that we are not found wanting in this regard.

Thank you.

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