Second Phase of Islamic Military Coalition’s Sahel Counter-Terrorism Program Concludes in Niamey

Editorial : Africa Eye 

The International Counter-Terrorism Conference, organized by the Nigerian government in collaboration with the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), concluded on Friday at the Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Center in Niamey. The event marked the launch of the second phase of the coalition’s Sahel program, which targets Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania, Mali, and Niger.

Over two days, participants exchanged insights and explored strategies to strengthen legal and operational tools to combat terrorist financing, a pressing cross-border challenge in the region. The conference highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing the root causes of terrorism and enhancing financial transparency.

The first session focused on counter-terrorism mechanisms within legal and legislative frameworks, with a particular emphasis on Niger’s efforts to combat terrorist financing and money laundering. The second session addressed effective strategies to tackle these challenges, underscoring the role of governance in promoting financial transparency and the significance of academic research in identifying sources of terrorist funding and proposing proactive solutions.

Major General Sani Ishaka Kachi, Secretary General of Niger’s Ministry of Defense, expressed his satisfaction with the conference’s outcomes, describing the discussions as productive and consensus-driven. He emphasized that combating terrorism requires more than military action; it demands a comprehensive approach that addresses economic, social, and humanitarian dimensions.

“The ideas and strategies presented here can serve as a strong foundation for practical and coordinated steps on the ground,” he stated, expressing optimism about the potential impact of the conference’s recommendations.

The event underscored the coalition’s commitment to fostering regional stability and security, with a focus on sustainable solutions to counter the evolving threat of terrorism in the Sahel.