President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended invitations to African leaders for the Africa Counter-Terrorism Summit, scheduled to take place in Abuja in April.
The invitation was made at the African Union (AU) Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, the summit aims to broaden discussions beyond military and law enforcement solutions to terrorism.
Onanuga added that It intends to comprehensively address the root causes of violent extremism, including poverty, limited political access, and the propagation of hateful ideologies.
He said the Africa Counter-Terrorism Summit is expected to gather leaders from across the continent to explore holistic approaches to counter-terrorism efforts.
”By expanding the focus beyond traditional military responses, the summit seeks to foster collaboration on addressing underlying issues contributing to extremism.
”Issues such as economic disparities, political marginalization, and the influence of radical ideologies will be central to the discussions,” he noted.
He further stated that President Tinubu’s initiative reflects a recognition of the multifaceted nature of terrorism and the importance of addressing its root causes to achieve lasting solutions.
”The summit provides a platform for leaders to share insights, strategies, and initiatives that can contribute to a comprehensive and coordinated approach to counter-terrorism in Africa.
”As nations grapple with the persistent challenge of terrorism, collaborative efforts and innovative strategies are crucial for mitigating the impact and creating conditions for sustainable peace and development.
”The Africa Counter-Terrorism Summit serves as a significant step toward fostering unity and cooperation among African nations in the fight against terrorism,” the president’s spokesman stated.
