LAGOS, Nigeria – African leaders attending a security summit in Nigeria have acknowledged the growing threat of violent extremism across the continent and called for a significant shift in how they address the issue.
The summit, which focused on finding solutions to the rise of extremist groups affiliated with Islamic State and al Qaeda, highlighted a concerning trend. Attacks by these groups have become more frequent and deadly, with civilian populations bearing the brunt of the violence.
Current Efforts Falling Short
Leaders like Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe expressed concerns that existing security institutions are failing to adequately respond to the evolving threats. He pointed to a dramatic rise in extremist attacks, with the number nearly doubling between 2017 and 2021. According to Gnassingbe, the current security architecture is no longer sufficient.
The African Union Commission chairperson, Moussa Faki, echoed this sentiment, reporting a rise in daily extremist attacks from four to eight and a staggering increase in casualties. Faki noted that terrorism claimed the lives of over 7,000 civilians and 4,000 military personnel in 2023 alone. He further warned that this instability creates a breeding ground for military coups across the continent.
Escalating Violence Threatens Regional Stability
The summit shed light on the devastating impact of extremism. Amina Mohammed, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, highlighted the Sahel region as a global hotspot for terrorist activity. She revealed that the Sahel region accounts for half of the deaths caused by terrorism globally. This extremism not only claims lives but also disrupts economies and destabilizes entire regions.
The summit produced a clear consensus on the need for a multi-pronged approach to tackling violent extremism. Leaders emphasized the need for increased funding to counter terrorist propaganda and stem the flow of weapons. Nigeria, a country facing its internal struggles with extremism, has pledged to play a leading role in these efforts.
Bolstering Resources and Cooperation
Faki stressed the importance of increased resources to combat extremism. He said that Africa needs more funding to train and equip security forces, gather intelligence, and address the root causes of radicalization, such as poverty and lack of opportunity.
The summit also underscored the importance of regional cooperation. Leaders acknowledged that extremism transcends national borders and requires a collective response. Information sharing, joint operations, and a unified approach to border security were all identified as crucial aspects of this collaboration.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu proposed the creation of a regional standby force specifically designed to combat terrorism. This force would be tasked with deterring large-scale attacks and preventing extremist groups from seizing strategic territory and resources. While acknowledging the logistical challenges of establishing such a force, including funding, legal hurdles, and troop deployment, Tinubu believes it is a necessary step to bolster regional security.
The proposal for a standby force has sparked debate among security analysts. Some experts believe it could be a game-changer, while others caution about the complexities of managing such a multinational force.
The Road Ahead: A Call to Action
The summit concluded with a commitment from African leaders to work together to implement these proposed reforms. The continent faces a complex and persistent threat, and the success of these efforts will depend on a unified approach, sustained international cooperation, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of extremism.
The fight against violent extremism in Africa will require significant investment, regional collaboration, and a willingness to adapt security strategies. The decisions made at this summit will be closely watched as African nations strive to create a more secure future for their citizens.
Source: ReutersÂ
