Amina Mohammed was speaking at a meeting focused on strengthening counter-terrorism on the continent, convened by Algeria, the Council president for January.
She emphasized that the Council has a critical role in supporting African Union (AU) counter-terrorism initiatives, grounded in African leadership and solutions.
Deadly spread
Ms. Mohammed said terrorism is the most significant threat to peace, security and sustainable development across Africa today, and presented sobering statistics outlining its devastating toll.
Despite continued efforts by Member States, sub-Saharan Africa now accounts for nearly 59 per cent of all terrorism-related deaths globally.
The Sahel is “ground zero” for one of the most brutal crises in the world. Terrorism-related deaths in the region have soared past 6,000 for three consecutive years, making up more than half of all global fatalities.
In this surge, Burkina Faso now leads the world in terrorism deaths, with a staggering 68 per cent increase.
At the same time, Al-Qaeda and ISIL affiliates have spread to coastal countries in West Africa, with violent attacks soaring by more than 250 per cent in two years.
Old and emerging threats
“Meanwhile, a new group known as ‘Lakurawa’ is conducting cross-border attacks in northwest Nigeria, Niger, and Chad,” she said.
“There are also growing risks of infiltration and radicalization along Ghana’s northern regions, as well as in Togo, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria.”
The threat persists elsewhere as groups such as Al- Shabaab in Somalia, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama in Mozambique, continue to unleash horrific violence.
Ms. Mohammed recalled that these groups are not only terrorizing communities but also committing sexual and gender-based violence, as well as assaulting children and forcibly recruiting them into their ranks.