Terrorist groups have acquired a level of endurance, resilience, and an ability to regenerate that has seemingly drained resources and extended global capabilities and resolve.
National security adviser Dr Monica Juma said the trend needs a multilateral framework to address.
“Our singular focus, distinct approach, representative and apolitical nature makes us an effective multilateral framework to resolve the persistent and evolving threat of terrorism and violent extremism,” she said.
Across Africa, she added, countries are facing a growing and entrenching threat of terrorism.
“Notwithstanding, the continent has also generated innovative solutions that are African-led and African-inspired to not only address a manifest threat of terrorism but also a complex mix of economic, historical, and sociopolitical factors that enable it," he said.
Juma said the need of the moment is building frameworks of collaboration and a shared understanding of regional dynamics and emerging threats.
On one hand, she added, the global order is in a state of flux with regional and international institutions and arrangements designed to underwrite international peace and security being inhibited and ineffectual.
She made the remarks Thursday, February 29 when she addressed the four-day Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) 23rd Coordinating Committee in Nairobi.
She said the work of the meeting is more integral and invaluable to international peace and security because collectively, they face a set of unique circumstances.
Juma said there is a need for desired synergy, cooperation and common action between the forum and regional partners to address the threats as the outreach frames common priorities and serves mutual interests.
She said the establishment of the forum by Member States was inspired by the need for an adaptive, agile, and innovative framework of collaboration that anchors our collective efforts in comprehensively and consistently degrading a complex and dynamic threat.
Juma said together with Kuwait, Kenya submitted a joint bid to co-chair the East Africa Working Group.
“As new members to the forum and having actively contributed to regional and global efforts to degrade the threat of terrorism our two countries bring frontline experiences and perspectives that speak to the geographical context and thematic issues relevant to the region,” she said.
She urged for members’ support and endorsement.
“Similarly, Kenya and Germany in partnership with the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund shall also submit for your consideration an initiative that explores and responds to the nexus between climate change and violent extremism conducive to terrorism.”
She argued it is self-evident that the climate crisis has exacerbated the factors conducive to terrorism including underdevelopment, forced displacement, food insecurity and resource competition.
Kenya joined the GCTF in 2023 as part of the efforts to rally regional and international efforts in degrading the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism in the region.
During the deliberations, the parties shall aim to agree on shared priorities, joint action in degrading the threat in the region and adopting new initiatives that address emerging issues.
The meeting brought together experts and practitioners from across the world’s regions to identify and address emerging trends in the global terrorist threat and develop measures to strengthen counter-terrorism civilian capabilities, national strategies, action plans, and training modules.
The GCTF was set up as a multilateral forum in which diplomats engage practitioners, and civil society, and support policymakers.
Kenya has been a victim of terrorism in the region and the meeting would be a good venue to share ideas on the impact of the crime.
