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Rabat – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has praised the collaborative efforts of the Africa Focus Group, co-chaired by Morocco, the United States, Italy, and Saudi Arabia, in combating terrorism across the African continent.
Speaking at the 11th ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition Against Daesh, held at the US State Department, Blinken emphasized the significance of the group’s initiatives in curbing the expanding influence of the Islamic State (ISIS) in sub-Saharan Africa.
Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, was among the dignitaries in attendance, alongside representatives from 87 countries.
Blinken underscored that the Islamic State is increasingly shifting its focus beyond the Middle East, targeting African nations in a bid to extend its operations and radical influence. “ISIS continues to push its agenda globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the group seeks to exploit existing instability,” Blinken warned.
To address this evolving threat, the Africa Focus Group was established in 2021 by the US, Morocco, and Italy, with Saudi Arabia joining in 2022.
Blinken hailed the coalition’s efforts in supporting African nations to enhance their counter-terrorism capabilities, highlighting that the group plays a critical role in coordinating civilian operations aimed at neutralizing extremist threats.
“The Africa Focus Group has already made strides in helping our African partners improve their coordination and implementation of civilian-led counter-terrorism strategies,” Blinken said.
He noted that these operations are essential as ISIS seeks to exploit local conflicts and governance gaps to gain a foothold in vulnerable regions across sub-Saharan Africa.
Now in its third year, the Africa Focus Group has become a vital pillar of the broader Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, Blinken added. With the terrorist group adapting to new challenges, the coalition is responding by enhancing coordination and bolstering its presence on the ground.
“The situation in sub-Saharan Africa requires a deepened and dynamic approach, and the coalition’s success in disrupting ISIS’s advances proves the value of this partnership,” he stated.
As extremist groups continue to evolve, Blinken urged the international community to remain vigilant and committed to the coalition’s mission. He called for further strengthening of the Africa Focus Group’s initiatives to meet both current and future security challenges on the continent.
The coalition meeting reinforced the importance of international cooperation in preventing the resurgence of terrorist networks and ensuring long-term stability in Africa.
