G5 Sahel States reaffirm fight against terrorism

The G5 Sahel states, comprising Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger, are facing a significant challenge in the form of terrorism and insecurity. The chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Mahamat, is currently on a tour of these nations to reaffirm the commitment to combating terrorism in the region. To shed light on the situation, Ona Ekhomu, President of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria, shared insights on the current state of affairs in the G5 Sahel countries and the efforts needed to address the security threats. The region, known as the Sahel, encompasses a vast belt stretching from the west coast of Africa to Somalia in the east. This area is plagued by various illicit activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and terrorism. Groups like Mujao, al-Qaeda, and the Islamic State operate in the region, exploiting the ungoverned spaces and engaging in nefarious activities like arms trafficking and kidnapping. The lack of governance in the vast desert areas of the Sahel creates a breeding ground for extremist groups to thrive. Ekhomu highlighted the significance of this region, not only for the security of Africa but also for Europe, as the instability and threats in the Sahel have direct implications for European countries. The recent commitment of the European Union to provide 50 million euros to counter terrorism in the region underscores the urgency of the situation. Ekhomu emphasized the need for a collaborative effort among the G5 Sahel states to effectively tackle the security challenges. He proposed the establishment of a Sahelian police force and a multinational patrol force to address the governance vacuum in the region. By pooling resources and intelligence sharing, the countries can enhance their security capabilities and combat terrorism more effectively. While funding is crucial, Ekhomu also stressed the importance of strategic planning and cooperation among the states to sustain long-term efforts. The issue of intelligence sharing and the involvement of frontline states in providing personnel for specialized forces were highlighted as key strategies in the fight against terrorism. Ekhomu acknowledged the complexity of the security threats in the Sahel, noting that the extremist groups have established strongholds in the region, making military intervention challenging. However, he emphasized the need for a proactive approach to disrupt the activities of these groups and prevent further escalation of violence. Despite the difficulties posed by the entrenched presence of terrorist organizations, Ekhomu remained optimistic about the prospects of concerted efforts yielding positive results in enhancing security and stability in the G5 Sahel states. The ongoing engagement of regional and international partners, including the African Union and the European Union, reflects a growing recognition of the interconnected nature of security threats and the need for collaborative action to address them. As the G5 Sahel states continue to grapple with terrorism and insecurity, the call for unified and coordinated efforts remains essential to safeguarding the region and preventing the spread of threats beyond its borders.