UNSC: Threats Arising from the Activities of Terrorist Groups in Africa

Committee: United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
Agenda: Threats to International Peace and Security Arising from the Activities of Terrorist Groups in Africa
Sponsors: China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Greece, Liberia, Panama, Russia, Somalia
Signatories: Bahrain, Colombia, France, Latvia, Pakistan, United Kingdom, United States of America

What the resolution does

The resolution urges all member states to fully implement the provisions of Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001) and comply with the directives of the 1267/1989 Sanctions Committee, including by freezing assets, denying travel and imposing arms embargoes on individuals and entities associated with Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups across Africa.

It strongly recommends the timely release of the remaining 50 per cent of authorised funding under Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023), to strengthen and sustain African Union-led peace support operations.

It calls for the incorporation of the principles of the Accra Declaration (2022 and 2026), the Malabo Declaration (2022) and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance into the UN–AU Joint Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security.

On borders, it demands that member states reinforce the African Union Border Programme by expanding joint border patrols, dismantling identified terrorist locations, improving customs cooperation and increasing surveillance of known smuggling routes and other vulnerable border areas.

It encourages member states to support post-conflict transition strategies modelled on successful African experiences, citing Liberia's transition from civil war to democratic governance through the Liberia Good Governance Development initiative and the National Policy on Decentralization and Local Governance.

Its final provision calls on the African Union to join its voice with the United Nations for the establishment of an African Union-anchored continental counter-terrorism financing task force, consolidating three existing regional bodies — the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group, and the Action Group against Money Laundering in Central Africa — under one framework with binding authority.

What the preamble records

The preamble recalls Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001), adopted in response to the September 11 attacks, and the 1267/1989 Sanctions Committee's consolidated sanctions list. It recalls Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023), noting that the 2025 humanitarian appeal for the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin remains at 50 per cent funding.

It recognises the Malabo Declaration (2022) as formally acknowledging that structural governance deficits and political instability have been exploited by terrorist organisations, directly expanding the threat of terrorism and violent extremism across African member states. It records deep concern that porous borders, unmonitored routes and weak border surveillance enable the movement of terrorists, weapons and illicit goods; notes with deep concern root causes including youth unemployment, poverty, limited access to education and social exclusion; and expresses concern at increasing terrorist financing, with countries and organisations observed over the years supplying weapons and safe havens across the African region.

In the room

Delegates of China, Pakistan and the Hellenic Republic drove proceedings. The committee's session on accountability for the veto was described by delegates as very heated. The atmosphere in the room was heated.