United States Ambassador to United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield has disclosed that US’s commitment to peace and security of Africa is unwavering, while provided nearly $8 billion in security sector assistance since fiscal year 2019.
Thomas-Greenfield who made this known at UN Security Council High -Level Debate on Countering Terrorism by Strengthening Cooperation Between UN and Regional Organizations on Tuesday, condemned acts of terrorism and committed to fighting supporting efforts to defeat them.
She outlined the United States’ commitment to countering the grave threat of terrorism and discuss the critical role that the United Nations and respect for human rights plays in this fight, recalled the first day of the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit in December, Secretary of State Blinken co-chaired the Peace, Security, and Governance Forum.
“At the Forum, the Presidents of Niger, Somalia, and Mozambique discussed how good governance, peacebuilding, international partnerships, inclusive development support peace and security. Our commitment to peace and security across Africa is unwavering.”
US Ambassador revealed that last Friday, President Joe Biden transmitted to the United States Congress a 10-year plan for implementing the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability, including in partnership with Mozambique.
“Other partners in Africa include Libya and Coastal West African countries, Ghana, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Togo”, while hinted on how these plans represent US commitment to whole-of-govt approach to peace building and supporting its partners’ progress toward a more peaceful future.
“As we work toward that peaceful future, I want to stress importance of incorporating views of civil society, women, youth, victims of terrorism, community leaders, activists, and the private sector. Taking whole-of- society approach is the most productive and sustainable way to counter terrorism and violent extremism”.
She also acknowledged African-led security efforts and pay tribute to the sacrifices AU personnel have made in support of peace and security on the continent.
“One example, of course, that we’ve heard about today is the Southern African Development Community’s Mission in Mozambique, which has helped make security gains and improved access for humanitarian assistance, exhibiting how African leadership for African problems can lead to solutions.
“We are proud to provide essential support to regional initiatives across Africa and to troop- and police- contributing countries. And we remain committed to exploring ways to further support AU peace operations.
“And look forward to engaging constructively in the upcoming discussions on the Secretary- General’s report on the next steps to implement Security Council Resolutions 2320 and 2378.
“As the eighth review of the Global Counterterrorism Strategy is underway in the General Assembly, we call for unity in purpose. Colleagues, as the Council has reaffirmed in many resolutions, the promotion and protection of human rights
“And the rule of law are essential components of countering terrorism. Effective counterterrorism measures and the protection of human rights are not conflicting goals, but complementary and mutually enforcing.
“When Member States use counterterrorism as a pretext to silence political dissent or interfere with the activities of civil society, they only promote radicalization to violence.
“And let’s be clear: The human rights abuses committed by private paramilitary organizations on the continent stoke grievances that enable terrorist recruitment and activities. And we know that actors, like the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group, undermine peace. Plain and simple”.
Calling on the Council to use all the tools at its disposal to advance peace security and fight terrorism in Africa and internationally, also called to unlock the full potential of the UN and of the African continent as “we work to build a more peaceful and secure future for all”.