Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Raises Concerns on Separatist Movements in Africa
Participants at the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Marrakech have expressed concerns over the proliferation of separatist movements in Africa and reaffirmed their determinations to continue the fight against all forms of terrorisms.
A joint communiqué issued at the end of the meeting l representatives of 79 countries, the participants noted with concern the proliferation of non-state actors, including separatist movements that are destabilizing various regions including African states.
Under the auspices of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS, the Africa Focus Group will bolster the civilian-led counterterrorism capabilities of African members of the Defeat Daesh/ISIS Coalition, the participants stressed the need for the Africa Focus Group to foster synergies with other existing international, sub-regional and regional counterterrorism efforts and initiatives on the African continent.
The Ministers also recalled that the Defeat Daesh/ISIS Coalition will continue to be a civilian-driven effort by, with, and through African members, in line with the principles of national ownership, and in accord with the specific needs of African member states.
They also noted the nexus between separatist and terrorist movements acting in collusion, exploiting existing vulnerabilities in a way that multiplies their destabilizing impacts.
In this sense, the participants emphasized the need to address the evolving threat of Daesh, especially in Africa, by strengthening the counter-terrorism capabilities of African members and taking into account the challenges and threats posed by the proliferation of non-state actors.
The meeting stressed the importance of addressing underlying causes to insecurity in Africa, while reiterating that any lasting solution to halting the spread of Daesh/ISIS on the continent would rely primarily on national authorities, as well as sub-regional and regional efforts and initiatives that acknowledge and address the political and economic drivers of conflict.
They also welcomed the first Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS meeting to be convened in Africa
The Ministerial Meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS was held at the joint invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Resident Abroad, Mr. Nasser Bourita, and the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.
The event is a turning point in the commitment and international coordination in the fight against “Daesh”, with a particular focus on the African continent and the evolving terrorist threat in the Middle East and other regions.
