Ethiopia calls for collective action against violent extremism and terrorism

Addis Ababa, December 8, 2022 (FBC) – State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, said Africa has been at the receiving end of the threat posed by extremism and violent terrorism more than any other region.

Ambassador Birtukan noted the importance of collective action, as no state is able to deal with the challenges of violent extremism and terrorism alone.

Ambassador Birtukan made the remarks while addressing the 9th High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa in Oran, Algeria.

She said it’s imperative to ensure regional counter-terrorism tools and mechanisms are fit for purpose in mobilizing the required political will and actions of member states to solve transnational problems.

In this respect, she said, it is important to fully operationalize the African Peace and Security Architecture, and the continent needs to focus on a more comprehensive approach to combating terrorism and violent extremism.

As terrorism is a global threat, Ambassador Birtukan said it is important that the continent’s peace support operations are well-resourced and equipped to ensure that they have the operational capacity for an early and effective response.

The State Minister concluded her remarks by reaffirming Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to support Africa’s peace support operations, including the ATMIS, in their frontline engagement against terrorism.

The high-level seminar is being held from December 7–9 under the theme “Support to the new African members of the UN Security Council in addressing peace and security issues in Africa.”