Terrorism Threat in Africa: The Link Between Illegal Mining and External Funding
President Bola Tinubu has issued a warning regarding the perilous link between illicit mining operations and the financial support of terrorist groups in Africa. Addressing a high-level counter-terrorism summit in Abuja, Tinubu urged the international community to take proactive measures to halt the influx of funds from outside the continent that bolster these illegal activities.
Tinubu articulated that illegal mining of valuable minerals and resources across Africa has emerged as a significant source of funding for terrorist organizations. He underscored that the billions of dollars generated from these operations are being diverted for the acquisition of weapons and the perpetration of violent acts, rather than being utilised for the welfare of the public.
The urgency of addressing this issue through international collaboration and reinforced regional mechanisms was emphasised by Tinubu. He advocated for global assistance in curbing the illicit flow of funds from outside Africa that sustain illegal mining enterprises, and urged fellow African leaders to unite in combatting the evolving threat of terrorism.
The president underscored the need for a fully operational Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre to facilitate intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and capacity building. Additionally, he called for the bolstering of existing structures such as the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit in Abuja, the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism in Algiers, and the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa in Addis Ababa.
In addition to addressing the external funding sources for terrorism, Tinubu reiterated the significance of domestic efforts to strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities. He lauded the valour and commitment of Nigerian security forces engaged in the fight against terrorism, and stressed the necessity for concerted regional efforts to fortify border security and disrupt illicit trafficking networks.
The two-day summit in Abuja has convened leaders from across the continent to establish a unified front against the escalating threat of terrorism in Africa. Key priorities encompass the establishment of a fully operational Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre, intensifying intelligence sharing, and addressing the root causes that facilitate the proliferation of extremism, such as poverty and marginalisation.
Tinubu’s impassioned plea for international cooperation and decisive action to combat the financing of terrorism through illegal mining serves as a rallying point for African leaders to collaborate in the battle against extremism. His vision of a future devoid of the scourge of violent extremism resonates with the aspirations of all nations dedicated to peace and security in the region.
