President Bola Tinubu highlighted the global funding of illegal mining and terrorism in Africa, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in combating these threats. He urged African nations to strengthen regional cooperation and institutions to tackle terrorism effectively, noting its significant impact on peace, security, and development.
Speaking at a two-day African High-Level Meeting on Counter-Terrorism in Abuja, Tinubu stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty and social injustice. He called for action from the international community to curtail illegal activities that fund terrorism, like illegal mining, which diverts resources from essential services.
Tinubu underscored terrorism's disruptive nature, affecting all facets of society, and advocated for stronger counter-terrorism structures and a Regional Standby Force to combat the menace. He sought the cooperation of regional governments across Africa to combat terrorism effectively and end its impact on the continent.
Other speakers at the event, including the National Security Adviser, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and United Nations representatives, echoed the call for concerted efforts to address terrorism's underlying causes and rebuild affected communities in Africa. They emphasized the need for integrated security strategies and international support to defeat terrorism in Africa.
