Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune warned of the alarming expansion of terrorism across Africa on Sunday, calling for effective action to combat the phenomenon. The President's message was delivered in the Angolan capital Luanda, during a session where his speech was read on his behalf by the President of the Council of the Nation, Mr. Azzouz Nasseri. President Tebboune emphasized the urgent need for African states to unite against the growing threat posed by extremist groups. The session addressed critical security challenges facing the continent, with a focus on coordinated responses to regional instability. This warning comes as concerns escalate over the impact of terrorism on peace and development in various African regions, noting the severe implications for continental stability. The publication date is August 30, 2026.
Terrorism's Alarming Expansion
The expansion of terrorism across Africa poses a significant threat to the very existence and stability of states, according to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. His remarks were delivered during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, specifically focused on the prevention and resolution of conflicts in Africa. The session took place on Sunday in Luanda, Angola, showing the urgency with which African leaders view the escalating security situation.
President Tebboune noted that the terrorist threat and its geographical expansion are worsening, particularly in the Sahel region, a vast and complex area facing significant security challenges. This growing instability complicates efforts to achieve lasting peace and development across the continent, affecting socio-economic progress and humanitarian situations. The Algerian leader's message showed the urgent need for African nations to strengthen their collective response to these escalating challenges, emphasizing that inaction is not an option when faced with such a widespread and destructive force. He stressed that terrorism threatens peace, security, and development on the African continent, disrupting lives and undermining governance.
Algeria's Role and Proposals
Algeria submitted proposals aimed at bolstering the African Union's capacity to counter terrorism. These full proposals, put forth by Algeria, seek to provide concrete mechanisms for enhancing the continent's defensive and offensive capabilities against extremist groups. President Tebboune, who serves as the African Union Champion for the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in Africa, emphasized that strengthening the operational capabilities of the African Union is an urgent necessity to confront the dangerous development of the terrorist threat. In his additional capacity as the African Union Coordinator for the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in Africa, Algeria advocated for collective action and the exchange of information and expertise, with the participation of all African Union countries. This collaborative approach, President Tebboune argued, is essential for building a strong and unified front against terrorism.
President Tebboune stated, "Today, more than ever, we must support our continental institutions with appropriate means for effective action in the field of counter-terrorism, which requires bolstering coordination between the various bodies of the African Peace and Security Architecture, especially the African Standby Force and its regional components, including the North African Regional Capability, in the fight against the terrorism plague." This call for enhanced coordination shows the need for a multi-faceted and integrated strategy, leveraging existing continental structures and regional assets. He further elaborated on the necessity of smooth cooperation among these bodies to ensure a swift and decisive response to terrorist activities across diverse geographical contexts.
President Tebboune also noted "the adoption by the African Union Peace and Security Council of the Full Continental Strategic Plan of Action for the African Union to fight terrorism in Africa, as well as the activation of the Peace and Security Council Subcommittee on Terrorism, which are two proposals submitted by Algeria in its capacity as the African Union Coordinator for the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in Africa." These initiatives represent concrete steps towards institutionalizing and streamlining counter-terrorism efforts at the continental level. He expressed "sincere thanks and gratitude" to Angola for organizing the session and supporting joint African action against terrorism, acknowledging the host nation's commitment to regional stability. "Our conviction is rooted that addressing the phenomenon of terrorism should remain at the top of the priorities of joint African action," President Tebboune added, reinforcing Algeria's steadfast dedication to this critical cause.
Continental Efforts and Future Needs
Terrorism poses a significant threat to peace, security, and development across the African continent, according to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. He stated that there is an urgent need to strengthen and coordinate continental efforts to combat this expanding phenomenon. President Tebboune emphasized that addressing terrorism must remain a top priority for joint African action, requiring sustained political will and resource allocation. In a move to bolster these efforts, the African Union Peace and Security Council adopted the Full Continental Strategic Plan of Action for the African Union to fight terrorism in Africa. This strategic plan provides a framework for coordinated action, outlining key pillars and objectives for member states. Additionally, the Peace and Security Council Subcommittee on Terrorism has been activated, further enhancing the continent's institutional response to the threat by providing a dedicated forum for discussion, analysis, and strategic planning. These concerted efforts reflect a growing recognition among African leaders of the imperative to act decisively and collectively against a threat that jeopardizes the future of the entire continent.
