Assembly - The debate on Terrorism
Inevitably, the scourge of terrorism and the destruction it is causing to innocent lives and property across the African continent was an important topic at the Summit. The Assembly condemned most strongly the attack that was carried out on 11th July in Kampala, by Al-Shabaab, an attack which resulted in the death and injury of so many innocent civilians, as an attack against all Africans. The Assembly underscored the need to take all necessary measures to apprehend the perpetrators and the masterminds of this shocking atrocity with a view to bringing them to justice. The Assembly expressed its condolences to, and its solidarity with, the Uganda Government and the families of the victims.
Expressing serious concern over the worsening of the scourge of terrorism and the threat it poses to peace, security and stability in Africa, the Assembly strongly condemned all terrorist attacks perpetrated on the continent and expressed its determination to fight any form of terrorism. It underscored the need for renewed efforts and increased mobilisation to combat terrorism. It requested the Commission to expeditiously submit to the Peace and Security Council concrete recommendations aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of Africa's actions for the prevention and combating of terrorism.
The Assembly adopted a decision on the prevention and combating of terrorism. It has requested all African States to work closely together, directly and through the relevant organs of the AU, to implement enhanced measures for cooperation, and mutual legal assistance and coordination between security services, in order to boost Africa's collective action against terrorism. The Commission is requested to carry out all necessary consultations and initiate appropriate measures to mobilise the wide support and effective contribution of the international community towards fighting terrorism in Africa. These should include cutting off of financing resources, and an end to the payment of ransoms for the seizure of ships or individuals. The Commission is asked to report regularly on the status of the fight against terrorism in Africa and on the levels of cooperation available.
The Assembly was virtually unanimous in its condemnation of terrorism and its effects in Somalia and elsewhere. The Eritrean delegation did not disagree but earlier in the debate on Somalia, it had suggested that what has been going on in Somalia should not be associated with international terrorism. If this had been the case, the situation in Somalia would be worse than Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Eritrean delegation’s apparent suggestion in the Somali debate that the TFG should negotiate with Al-Shabaab was dismissed. Indeed, the resolution on terrorism included strong condemnation of Al-Shabaab, and the Assembly’s insistence that the TFG should endeavour to bring on board all those who embraced peace and renounced violence, made it clear there could be no negotiations with Al-Shabaab.