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In an interview with AL24 News, Attaf emphasized that “the President of the Republic is authorized to follow the counter-terrorism file in accordance with the responsibility entrusted to him by his African counterparts, a responsibility we are committed to honour.” This is why “we called, parallel to the meeting on Gaza, for a second ministerial meeting on the scourge of terrorism in Africa,” he added, noting the “very encouraging” presence of African Foreign Ministers who are interested in this file.

“Algeria has recently noticed that the international community diverted its attention from this persistent scourge in Africa. That is why, through this initiative (ministerial meeting of the Security Council), we wish to re-engage the international community and bring it to spotlight this scourge, in light of four facts,” added the minister.

The first fact is that “while terrorism is declining in several regions of the world, we notice its expansion in Africa,” he said.

The second fact is that “terrorism has increased in terms of numbers, in the sense that it is difficult today to speak of terrorist groups, but rather terrorist armies, given the growing number of recruits in these groups,” he added. 

The third fact is related to equipment, he said, explaining that “there is a real evolution among terrorist groups in Africa, who have managed to obtain sophisticated weapons used in operations that I would describe as military.”

As for the fourth fact, he noted that in terms of military action, “we observe among terrorist groups a mastery of military tactics and strategies, which shows the dangerous evolution of terrorism in Africa.”

In light of these facts, “Algeria deemed it necessary to spotlight this scourge in Africa once again,” said Attaf.

“We must not forget that this is a great responsibility that falls upon Algeria, as the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, is Africa’s spokesperson in the fight against terrorism and is authorized to follow this file on behalf of the continent,” emphasized the Minister of State.

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