Roundup: AU reviews counter-terrorism strategies as threats escalate

The African Union (AU) member states have commenced a review of counter-terrorism measures as threats escalate in the horn and the Sahel region, a senior official said on Friday

Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the AU chairperson's special representative for counter-terrorism cooperation told reporters that African governments have resolved to reorganize legal, policy and institutional frameworks to respond effectively to extremism and violence.

"The AU views terrorism as a serious threat to peace, security and long-term development in the continent. We have resolved to adopt new strategies to revitalize the fight against radicalization," Madeira remarked.

He spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the AU Heads of state summit in Addis Ababa which devoted attention to new security challenges in the continent like terrorism, civil strife and cross- border crimes.

The AU has passed sweeping resolutions to enhance the capacity of member states to respond to terrorism.

Madeira noted that existing counter-terrorism measures had minimal success as jihadist groups in the Sahel and the horn of Africa commits acts of terror with abandon.

"Terrorism will not disappear overnight in the region. It is a protracted battle that demands a combination of force, persuasion and continuous education to root out," Madeira said at the press briefing.

Terrorist networks have spread tentacles across the African continent thanks to weak border surveillance, governance lapses and poverty.

Madeira regretted that foreign terrorist groups are recruiting unemployed African youth with promise of a better life.

"Jihadists are cleverly exploiting weak internal systems to spread their wings. Their propaganda has convinced vulnerable youth that legitimate governments are to blame for their alienation," Madeira intoned.

He revealed that powerful donors are financing terror in Africa while ethnic and religious strife has only worsened the challenge.

The AU member states have focused on strategic approaches to slay the dragon of terror from the source.

Madeira said the Pan African bloc has invested in deradicalization programs for the youth alongside equipping security forces with new counter terrorism strategies.

"We have encouraged member states to adopt regional counter- terrorism strategies that focus on keeping a database on terror groups and their activities, reorganization of intelligence gathering and public education," said Madeira.

He added that countries have been encouraged to invest in youth empowerment programs to lure them away from joining radical groups.

African states must strengthen governance, law enforcement and establish healthy linkages with the civil society to nip terrorism in the bud.

Madeira challenged governments to strengthen border surveillance and invest in social amenities like education and health in marginalized regions that are bleeding grounds for terrorism.

"A comprehensive approach to fight terrorism must factor inclusion, poverty alleviation and dialogue with disgruntled groups," Madeira told Xinhua.

African countries must invest in technical capacity to enable them detect sources of terrorism funds.

Madeira noted that terror networks are engaging in illegal activities to obtain money.

"Kidnappings for ransom, drugs and human trafficking and black market are steady revenue sources for terrorists. Countries must invest in technical and human capacity to disrupt conduits of terrorists' finances," Madeira remarked.

He added that a joint military intervention is required to root out terror networks in Africa.

"The combined military intervention involving Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon has weakened Boko Haram," said Madeira. Endi