New York: The Minister of Foreign Affairs, T©te Ant³nio, emphasized a multilateral and integrated approach as a strategic option for effectively combating terrorism during a United Nations Security Council Open Debate on terrorism. The debate, which was spearheaded by Africa and centered on development, highlighted the need for strengthening African leadership and implementing counter-terrorism initiatives.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Minister Ant³nio expressed the Angolan Government's deep concern over the proliferation of terrorism and violent extremism across various global regions. He pointed out that these threats hamper the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063. The Minister highlighted terrorism as a significant challenge to international peace and security, describing it as one of the most perilous existential threats to any nation.
To counter these threats, Minister Ant³nio stressed the importance of promoting good governance, combating corruption, reinforcing state institutions, and establishing early warning systems. He noted that there is a growing consensus that terrorism is a complex phenomenon pervasive across all regions, posing the most severe threat to world peace and security.
Minister Ant³nio reiterated Angola's commitment to the decisions of the 16th Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government on Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government. This session, proposed by President Joo Louren§o, examined the roots of these issues and adopted measures to prevent and combat them. African leaders emphasized the necessity of regional and continental cooperation to tackle terrorism and extreme violence, including implementing the Action Plan for the Robust Combat of Terrorism.
The Angolan diplomat argued that anti-terrorism efforts must be bolstered by sustainable financial resources as well as technical and logistical support. He underscored the importance of enhancing synergies between the UN and AU, particularly in mobilizing funds through the implementation of Resolution 2719 concerning the financing of peace operations led by the continental organization.
Minister Ant³nio highlighted the critical situation in Africa, as indicated by the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, noting that the epicenter of terrorism has shifted from the Middle East to the Central Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa. This region now accounts for more than half of all deaths caused by terrorism. He detailed the increased operations of terrorist groups in North Africa, the Sahel, Central Africa, the Horn of Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa, with significant impacts in regions like Cabo Delgado in Mozambique.
The Minister also raised concerns about the economic and social repercussions of terrorism, which discourages private investment and prompts the emigration of young Africans, further affecting the continent's development and well-being. He pointed out the use of conflict zones by terrorist groups, such as the ADF in the east of the DRC, and warned about the migration of these groups to the Atlantic coast, exacerbating maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
To address these challenges, the Minister emphasized strengthening existing mechanisms such as the Gulf of Guinea Commission and the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone. He also highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation among the United Nations, the African Union, and African regional organizations to sustain global and complementary efforts against terrorism.
Minister Ant³nio concluded by reaffirming Angola's condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and the importance of finding adequate, sustainable, and predictable financing solutions to support global anti-terrorism efforts. He suggested that the exchange of experiences from this debate could foster increased cooperation between international organizations in preventing and combating terrorism and violent extremism in Africa.