The State of Qatar has declared its commitment to continuing collaboration, coordination, and support for African nations in eliminating terrorism globally, including in Africa. This came in a statement given by HE Vice-Chairman of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee Major General Dr. Nasser Saeed Al Hajri at a high-level African counterterrorism conference held in the Nigerian capital Abuja in April 2024.
The National Counter-Terrorism Committee indicated that the briefings presented during the meeting sessions emphasised terrorist groups, their crimes, areas of activity, modes of operation, and the threats they pose, especially in Africa. He noted that terrorists manipulate conflicts and turmoil and exacerbate them. Major General Dr Nasser Saeed Al Hajri emphasized the transboundary and regional nature of terrorism, making fighting terrorism in Africa not only a critical issue for African nations but also a major element in global efforts to combat this plague and a matter of concern for all.
He mentioned the State of Qatar’s responsibility to global counterterrorism efforts, its eagerness to partner with African countries, and its belief in the matter of international cooperation and collaboration. He noted that these were the motorists for Qatar’s participation in this forum and supported its convening, in addition to its dedication to supporting the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.
Moreover, he expressed Qatar’s appreciation for the actions of the Office in organizing international and regional conferences, including this forum, and coordinating international policies, facts, and efforts, providing technical offerings, and capacity-building to member states, particularly in Africa, including via the International Center for Counter-Terrorism.
HE Al Hajri emphasised that it was essential to study and maintain pace with the evolving terrorist threat, thereby determining the sources of danger and priorities, and creating the necessary strategies and initiatives to face it. His Excellency also highlighted the necessity of identifying shortcomings and victories to benefit from best practices and solutions. He stressed that African countries bear the immediate responsibility for combating terrorism and that effective steps must be owned and executed by Africans. He added that there should be a collaborative and coordinated response, alongside regional and international allies, including the United Nations and all members of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Agreement.
He further added that international backing takes several forms, including technical and financial support in political and security zones. Affected African countries can profit from technical assistance and capacity-building to improve the capabilities of security forces and law enforcement agencies to deal with terrorist threats, ensuring adherence to international law and human rights in those efforts.
