The United Kingdom on Tuesday urged enhanced regional security and political collaboration to confront the escalating threat of terrorism across West Africa and the Sahel.
Addressing a United Nations Security Council session, the UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, Ambassador James Kariuki, highlighted London’s concern over the “expansion of Islamic State and Al-Qaeda affiliates across the region,” noting the devastating impact on civilians.
He pointed to recent events in Mali as evidence of the growing sophistication of these groups.
“The fuel blockade in Mali imposed by Al-Qaeda-affiliate JNIM demonstrates the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by these groups,” he said.
Kariuki laid out three central points during his address. First, he emphasised the significance of regional cooperation.
“We welcome the increased engagement between states in the region and encourage ECOWAS and AES members to continue deepening dialogue. We also welcome UNOWAS’s efforts to facilitate cooperation.”
He further noted that security initiatives led by the region itself could be critical in combating terrorism, citing efforts such as a standby force for rapid deployment, the Multinational Joint Taskforce, and ECOWAS’ Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
He also referenced Security Council resolution 2719 as a potential framework to support African Union-led peace operations.
Secondly, the UK reaffirmed its backing of African-led initiatives and partnerships.
“UK support includes funding and training for Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Côte d’Ivoire’s Counter Terrorism Academy, and the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit, which supports the Multinational Joint Taskforce.
“These initiatives, working together, help strengthen intelligence sharing and regional resilience,” Kariuki said, urging nations in the region to carefully choose security partners to avoid worsening threats.
Lastly, the UK highlighted the importance of addressing the underlying causes of terrorism. “This includes improving governance, reducing poverty, countering disinformation, protecting civic space, and tackling climate change.
“Without progress in these areas, conflict and terrorism will continue to destroy local communities and disrupt livelihoods, with disproportionate harm to women and children,” the Ambassador warned.
Over the past decade, violent extremism has surged in West Africa and the Sahel. Armed groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have taken advantage of weak state control, porous borders, and local grievances to expand their operations.
Nations including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have been especially affected, enduring repeated attacks on civilians, military personnel, and aid workers, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
