Statement by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN at the UNSC open debate: African-led and development-focused counter-terrorism: strengthening African leadership and implementation of counter-terrorism initiatives

Mr. President, Your Excellency Minister Ahmed Attaf,

I would like to thank you and the delegation of Algeria for your leadership in convening this important meeting on strengthening African-led initiatives to combat terrorism. We also appreciate the insightful contributions from Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed, Commissioner Bankole Adeoye, and Mr. Said Djinnit.

Today’s discussion underscores the challenges in our collective fight against the scourge of terrorism which continues to pose a grave threat to international peace and security.

The alarming statistics reported by the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism in Africa, and indeed the world at large, not least because of its impact on civilian populations, especially women, girls and youth.

Guyana recognizes that the fight against terrorism cannot be solely a military or security endeavor; it must be woven into the very fabric of socio-economic development. The interlinkages between poverty, inequality and marginalization, and terrorism and violent extremism are undeniable. In order to address these root causes, we must prioritize socio-economic initiatives that empower communities, enhance educational opportunities, and create purposeful jobs, especially for our young people.

When Africa, and indeed the developing world calls for a reformed international financial architecture this is development friendly, for a global tax system that is fair, and for addressing the debt burden, which will all allow for greater investments in the SDGs, these calls must be seen as directly linked to fighting terrorism and to protecting this and future generations from being victims of terrorism, including through recruitment.

Africa is the continent with the world’s largest youth population, 400 million in the Sahel which coincidentally is the current hotbed of terrorism, but we will only reap the dividends of this demographic if we invest in them now. Engaging youth, women, other members of civil society and marginalized groups, is essential in forging resilient societies capable of resisting radicalization.

Mr. President,
Guyana commends the African Union for its robust counter-terrorism framework and advances made in tackling terrorism. Initiatives such as the establishment of the Counter-Terrorism Unit within the African Standby Force and the operationalization of the AU Special Fund for counter-terrorism are concrete examples of the AU’s commitment to combat this scourge. But, as you have reminded Mr. President, we also recognize that terrorism is not confined to borders and continents, and no country is immune. Terrorism is a growing global challenge to the maintenance of international peace and security, and, therefore, requires a global response. As such, the efforts of the African Union must be seen as a contribution to global efforts.

In this context, and underscoring the importance of African leadership remaining at the forefront of counter-terrorism initiatives in the region, Guyana urges the international community to support the reconstruction, disengagement, reintegration and reconciliation efforts in countries of the region confronting this scourge. This requires enhanced support to the AU by the international community, including this Council. In this context, Guyana proposes the following four actions:
First, Sustainable Funding: We call for the full and timely implementation of Security Council Resolution 2719 to increase the predictability, adequacy and sustainability of funding for AU-Led Peace Operations, including their counter-terrorism mandates.

Secondly, Increased Investment in Socio-Economic Development: Investments in development initiatives will not only bolster security efforts but also support the African Union’s Agenda 2063, by promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. In this effort, the focus on youth will be paramount.

Third, Enhanced Coordination: Greater collaboration between the UN and African mechanisms, including the Accra Initiative, is essential. Improved coordination will facilitate information sharing, allow for best practices to be adopted, and strengthen collective responses to the intertwined challenges of terrorism and transnational organized crimes. The terrorist groups appear well coordinated, including using technology, the international community must also be coordinated if we are to effectively counter terrorism.

Lastly, Combating Terrorist Financing: We must intensify efforts to disrupt the financial networks that underpin terrorism and transnational organized crime. Combating illicit financial flows through coordinated global efforts is crucial in ending the cycle of violence and insecurity.

In closing, Mr. President, Guyana stands firmly behind African-led solutions that responds to the region’s security and development objectives. We reaffirm our commitment to working collaboratively with our African and international partners to build a safer and more secure world for all.

I Thank you