A high-level seminar on security governance and human rights in the fight against terrorism opened in Abidjan-Cocody on September 21, 2026. The event, organized by the Institute for Strategic Research of the International Academy for Counter-Terrorism, in partnership with the Geneva Center for Security Sector Governance, brings together representatives from defense and security institutions, magistrates, parliamentarians, experts, researchers, and civil society actors from several West African countries. The two-day seminar aims to strengthen the fight against terrorism while ensuring respect for the rule of law, human dignity, and fundamental freedoms.
The seminar's opening session featured Bamba Drissa, Vice-President of the National Human Rights Council, who emphasized that protecting populations from terrorism must go hand-in-hand with respect for human rights. He stressed that the fight against terrorism can only be effective if it is grounded in the rule of law, human dignity, and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. Drissa called for particular attention to be paid to conditions of arrest and detention, judicial guarantees, protection of vulnerable persons, and prevention of torture.
Kokousseu Tomin Alexis, Vice-President of the National Assembly's Security and Defense Commission, also spoke at the opening session. He highlighted that respect for human rights is essential to the legitimacy and sustainability of security action. Alexis advocated for a comprehensive approach that brings together defense and security forces, justice, public administrations, territorial authorities, and civil society. He emphasized that this approach is crucial in ensuring that security measures are effective and respect human rights.
Jolie Ruth Morand, representative of the Geneva Center for Security Sector Governance, underscored the importance of effective governance of security institutions that respects human rights. The seminar's discussions focus on managing states of emergency, protecting civilians in conflict zones, judicial treatment of individuals suspected of terrorism, and rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant terrorists. The event aims to promote experience sharing and identify concrete avenues for strengthening the link between security, human rights, and counter-terrorism.
The seminar brings together a diverse range of participants, including representatives from defense and security institutions, magistrates, parliamentarians, experts, researchers, and civil society actors. The event's organizers seek to foster a collaborative environment where participants can share experiences and expertise. By doing so, they hope to develop practical solutions for strengthening security governance and human rights in the fight against terrorism.
Bamba Drissa also highlighted the importance of the "three Ps" principle: prevention, promotion, and protection of human rights. He emphasized that these principles are essential to a sustainable policy for counter-terrorism. The seminar's discussions will focus on practical ways to implement these principles and ensure that security measures respect human rights.
The seminar's outcomes are expected to contribute to the development of effective strategies for counter-terrorism that respect human rights and the rule of law. The event's organizers hope that the discussions will lead to concrete recommendations for strengthening security governance and human rights in West Africa. The seminar will conclude on September 22, 2026, with a set of recommendations and proposals for future action.
Key points
- Seminar emphasizes need for effective security governance and human rights in fight against terrorism
- Participants advocate for comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism that respects human rights
- Event aims to develop practical solutions for strengthening link between security, human rights, and counter-terrorism
