‘W/Africa needs collaborative efforts to combat terrorism’

Col. Anorph Akaubong, Director of Training, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center (KAIPC), Accra, Ghana, has called for collaborative strategies to confront violent extremism and terrorism within the ECOWAS subregion.

He stated this at the third training for defence and security sector actors on violent extremism and terrorism, organised by KAIPTC in collaboration with German and Nigerian governments and ECOWAS in Abuja.

“The very complexities of the country’s current situation, as well as its resonance within our coastal states, present us with an unprecedented opportunity – an opportunity to squarely confront the issue of Violent Extremism and Terrorism.

“The interconnected nature of these challenges underscores the urgency for our concerted efforts, collaboration, and innovative thinking.

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“The collaborative potency of our diverse expertise is the cornerstone for sculpting solutions that transcend geographical divides and pave the way for tangible transformation in our societies.

“I implore each participant to bring forth their unique perspectives and insights on the subject, for it is through this tapestry of thought that we will embark on a journey of exploration and discovery,” he said.

Declaring the training opened, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said that the event was particularly important due to the dynamic shifts in strategies on violent extremism and terrorism.

According to him, violent extremism and terrorism, particularly in the Sahel, are spreading to the coastal regions of West Africa, and the situation will require multifaceted efforts to counter the threat.

Musa, represented by Brig.-Gen. Olurotimi Adejoro, noted that confronting the prevailing threat of violent extremism and terrorism in West Africa necessitated bringing together a large number of actors to chart the way forward.

“We’re also aware that insights in the 2024 Global Tourism Index show how the rate of violent extremism has climbed in the Sahel and the West African subregion in particular.

“It is therefore not a course that is being done just for the purpose of running a course. It is a serious threat we are confronting now and we are likely to confront in the future.

“Therefore, I implore each participant to bring forth their unique perspectives and insights on the subject so that we can use our diversity of ideas and experience to bring about worthwhile solutions,” he said.