MFA – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Amb. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, delivered a pivotal speech at the 9842nd UN Security Council

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Amb. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, delivered a pivotal speech at the 9842nd UN Security Council meeting in New York today, where he addressed the critical issue of countering terrorism in Africa, emphasized the continent’s proactive role, and shared Somalia’s progress in combating terrorism.

The full script of the speech is as follows:

Mr. President,
At the outset of my remarks, I extend my sincere gratitude to our brotherly Algerian presidency for organizing this crucial meeting, which reflects our collective commitment to confronting terrorism—a serious threat to international peace and security, particularly in our African continent. I also express my appreciation to Ms. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, for her valuable briefing that has paved the way for our discussion today.

Terrorism in Africa is not merely a security threat; it is a complex phenomenon affecting the stability of our states and the future of our peoples. However, our continent is not a passive spectator to this challenge. Africa today is a source of pioneering initiatives and innovative solutions, and it’s time we tell our own story, highlighting our successes and experiences that have demonstrated the effectiveness of African solutions across the continent.

Twenty years ago, we established the African Union Center for Counter-Terrorism, which has become a symbol of our determination to address this phenomenon through local African solutions. Through initiatives such as “Operation Nouakchott,” we have strengthened intelligence coordination and joint operations in the Sahel and Sahara region. The “Accra Initiative” has also formed an effective platform for addressing organized crime and preventing the spread of terrorism in West Africa.

Mr. President,
Let me share my country Somalia’s experience, standing at the frontlines of counter-terrorism in the Horn of Africa. Over the past two years, the Somali government has reclaimed vast territories home to more than three million people from Al-Shabaab’s control—one of Africa’s most dangerous terrorist groups.

We have adopted a comprehensive strategy based on three main pillars: ideological confrontation, military operations, and drying up terrorist financing.

On the financial front: We have succeeded in closing approximately 500 financial accounts used to fund terrorist activities both inside and outside the country. All illegal checkpoints used by Al-Shabaab to impose unlawful taxes have been dismantled, and those responsible for collecting funds for the movement have been arrested. Parliament has passed legislation aimed at closing legal loopholes exploited to support terrorist activities and enhancing transparency and accountability.

On the ideological front: We organized a national conference for religious scholars and preachers in Mogadishu, leading to a unified approach that exposes extremist ideologies and refutes terrorist groups’ false claims. Religious scholars have issued fatwas clarifying the falsehood of these deviant interpretations, confirming that these groups’ actions have no connection to Islam.

On the military front, our national forces continue their decisive operations against terrorism, achieving tangible progress in restoring security and stability. The Somali government has, over the past two years, liberated nearly half of the territories previously under Al-Shabaab’s control, re-establishing state sovereignty in these areas.

Mr. President,
We fully recognize that military solutions alone are insufficient. Therefore, we call for adopting a comprehensive approach addressing the root causes of terrorism through three main axes:

First: Linking development with security.

Extremism flourishes in environments of poverty and unemployment. Sustainable development must be at the heart of our counter-terrorism strategies. In this context, we emphasize the necessity of reforming the international financial structure to support our development goals. It is unacceptable that Africa allocates $163 billion for debt servicing in 2024 when these resources could contribute to stability and development.
Second: Ensuring sustainable funding for peace.

The adoption of Resolution 2719, which allows funding of African Union peacekeeping missions through UN contributions of up to 75%, is historic. However, fully activating this framework is key to ensuring the sustainability of African efforts.

Third: Strengthening cooperation between African institutions and UN mechanisms while maintaining African leadership.
African solutions are most appropriate for addressing African challenges. However, they must be reinforced by fair international partnerships that support our capabilities without compromising our sovereignty.

Mr. President,
Despite significant challenges, our commitment to the “Silencing the Guns” initiative remains unwavering. Our vision for a prosperous and secure continent drives our efforts, and our belief in African solutions as the path to our collective security unites us.

Our strength lies in our unity, and our success depends on our commitment to our shared principles and goals.