UN Counter-Terrorism Chief Vladimir Voronkov at Security Council meeting. UN: ISIS terror threat growing in Africa Peace and Security
Terrorist groups linked to ISIS (ISIS) continue to expand their influence on the African continent, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel, UN Counter-Terrorism Chief Vladimir Voronkov warned at a Security Council meeting on Thursday.
“The situation in West Africa and the Sahel remains difficult. “Terrorist groups continue to expand in the Sahel, and their activities are causing numerous casualties, undermining regional stability,” he said.
Two Daesh-linked groups in the region, the Islamic State in West Africa and the Islamic State in the Sahel, have expanded and consolidated their areas of operation.
“If these groups extend their influence to the northern coastal states, a vast territory stretching from Mali to northern Nigeria could fall under their control,” Voronkov said.
Mozambique and the DRC
Daesh-linked groups have also stepped up their operations in northern Mozambique and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where a sharp increase in terrorist attacks has resulted in numerous civilian casualties. In Somalia, Daesh-affiliated groups have also gained a foothold in Somalia. Daesh can carry out terrorist attacks abroad. He noted that this branch of ISIS has strengthened its financial position and logistical capabilities over the past six months.
“We must unite and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a breeding ground again terrorism,” he said, adding that the activities of the Islamic State in Khorasan province threaten Europe.
International cooperation
According to Voronkov, cooperation between countries remains important to counter the threat posed by Daesh. However, he noted that cooperation alone will not be enough unless it leads to global responses that are firmly anchored in political strategies. drivers of terrorism and violent extremism,” he said. “Responses must be fully consistent with international human rights and humanitarian law.”