The African Union's Peace and Security Council has praised Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for his exceptional efforts in combating terrorism and violent extremism. In a statement adopted during its 1369th meeting at the ministerial level in New York, the council acknowledged Tebboune's role as champion of the African Union in this area. The council's statement focused on "good neighborliness and regional responses to security and terrorist challenges in Africa."
The Peace and Security Council urged the African Union Commission to expedite the completion of the African Arrest Warrant and the African Database for Terrorists. These tools aim to enhance judicial cooperation across borders and disrupt illicit supply networks. The council also emphasized the need for effective action against regional safe havens. This call to action aligns with the African Union's agenda to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
The council requested the African Union Commission to establish a continental framework for addressing terrorists' use of emerging technologies. This includes drones, encrypted platforms, and digital financing. The framework should be based on the "Algiers Guiding Principles" and ensure compatibility with international standards. This move seeks to address the evolving nature of terrorist threats.
The Peace and Security Council also called on member states that have not yet done so to sign and ratify all African Union instruments on counter-terrorism. These include the Organization of African Unity's Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism. Algeria hosted the 35th OAU summit in 1999, where the convention was adopted. The council aims to strengthen the continent's security architecture.
Algerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ahmed Attaf participated in the meeting. He highlighted Algeria's commitment to combating terrorist financing and drying up its sources. Attaf emphasized the need to prevent the misuse of advanced technologies for terrorist purposes. He recalled the "Algiers Guiding Principles," which were adopted by the UN Security Council in January 2025.
Attaf also underscored President Tebboune's role in championing the African Union's efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism. He explained that Algeria's approach combines security and military measures with development, reconciliation, and state institution-building. This comprehensive strategy aims to address the root causes of terrorism and ensure sustainable peace and stability.
The African Union's recognition of President Tebboune's efforts reflects the country's commitment to regional and international cooperation in counter-terrorism. Algeria continues to play a key role in promoting peace and security in Africa. The country's approach serves as a model for addressing the complex challenges of terrorism and violent extremism.
Key points
- The African Union's Peace and Security Council commends Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for his efforts in combating terrorism and violent extremism.
- The council urges the African Union Commission to expedite the completion of the African Arrest Warrant and the African Database for Terrorists.
- Algeria's approach to counter-terrorism emphasizes a comprehensive strategy combining security measures with development, reconciliation, and state institution-building.
