The Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan took part in a seminar on combating terrorism and extremism in Africa

Addis Ababa, May 11, 2023 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Permanent Representative to the African Union Barlybay Sadykov took part in an international seminar on combating terrorism in Africa, held at the headquarters of the African Union Commission.

The event was attended by Commissioner for Peace and Security Policy of the African Union Bankole Adeoye, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN Office for Combating Terrorism R.Gregorian, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to the African Union P.Onanga, Acting Director of the African Center for the Study of Terrorism (ACSRT) I.Lallali, AU member states, permanent representatives of observer countries and the European Union.

During the seminar, experts noted the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism on the continent, which hinders the socio-economic development of countries, their achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the Africa Agenda until 2063.

The experts identified key trends and models of terrorism in Africa over the past decade, assessed the effectiveness of the legal and institutional mechanisms established since 1999 within the framework of the African Union aimed at collective counteraction to terrorism and violent extremism, in order to draw lessons and best practices, remove obstacles and provide recommendations for further continental actions in the fight against terrorism.

In general, the experts stressed the need to revise the previously adopted political instruments in Africa, to respond and supplement rigid approaches to security with political and socio-economic development strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of threats of terrorism and violent extremism, taking into account the interconnectedness of peace and security issues with development problems in African countries. The participants also advocated the adoption of a preventive approach to terrorism, the promotion of collective action and partnership to adapt national strategies to rapidly changing conditions.