Unveiling Strategies: A UN Security Council Dialogue on Counterterrorism Efforts in Africa

Ambassador Dorothy Shea
Chargé d’Affairs ad interim
New York, New York
January 21, 2025

AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Mr. President, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, for leading this dialogue. We also express our gratitude to Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, AU Commissioner Bankole Adeoye, and Mr. Said Djinnit for their valuable insights.

The United States is profoundly alarmed by the escalating frequency and deadliness of terrorist acts across Africa.

We encourage the members of this Council to take decisive steps and concur on listing more Africa-based ISIL and Al-Qaida affiliates in the 1267 Sanctions Committee, subjecting them to a global asset freeze. We also advocate for Member States to support the designation of further individuals within the Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee.

Terrorists stand to gain from the Council’s inaction, particularly as financial resources remain the crucial support for terrorism. We ought to enhance our endeavors to cut off funds to terrorists and resist the politicization of sanctions listing initiatives.

The United States advocates for action to counteract the increasing nexus between the Houthis in Yemen and Al-Shabaab along with other harmful entities in Somalia, as noted in reports by the UN sanctions panel of experts. The exchange of weaponry and sharing of tactical and operational expertise amongst these factions will adversely affect security in Africa, the Middle East, and well beyond.

We recognize the African Union’s initiatives to fortify its counterterrorism framework.

When security measures adhere to the law and respect human rights, they cultivate confidence in police and military forces, which is essential for counteracting terrorist recruitment.

If a community endures human rights abuses at the hands of security forces, and when administrations neglect to deliver services, civilians may resort to violent extremists for safety, conflict mediation, and justice provision.

Moreover, it is crucial that civil society members, especially women and youth, engage meaningfully in the formulation and execution of counterterrorism strategies – as they possess unique insights into the repercussions and challenges posed by terrorism. They can assist governments in enhancing the efficacy of counterterrorism measures.

We must collectively intensify our efforts to monitor terrorist recruitment within Africa, as well as the movements of foreign fighter recruits to and from the African continent.

Looking ahead, the United States acknowledges that maintaining the status quo is an ineffective approach to tackle the profound systemic issues the African continent confronts regarding terrorism. We are eager to collaborate with committed African partners, the international community, and this Council to devise practical solutions that will decisively counter the escalating terrorist menace.

I appreciate your attention, Mr. President.

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By United States Mission to the United Nations | 21 January, 2025 | Topics: Highlights, Remarks and Highlights