ISLAMABAD: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) inaugurated a comprehensive program to combat terrorism in the Sahel region during a ceremony held in Mauritania’s capital, Nouakchott, on Monday. The initiative, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, aims to bolster regional stability and counter extremist threats through collective efforts.
The event was attended by Mauritanian Minister of Defense Hanena Ould Sidi, IMCTC Secretary-General Major General Pilot Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, and several high-ranking officials, including Mauritania’s ministers of interior, justice, Islamic affairs, culture, and communication. Ambassadors from IMCTC member states and supporting countries were also present.
In his address, Mauritania’s defense minister emphasized the urgency of tackling terrorism, which poses a severe threat to humanity, especially in the Sahel region. He underscored the necessity of collaboration to ensure the program’s success, describing it as a critical initiative for combating terrorism.
IMCTC Secretary-General Major General Al-Moghedi highlighted the program as a cornerstone of counterterrorism efforts and a step towards enhancing regional stability. He noted that the program reflects IMCTC’s vision to address terrorism comprehensively, focusing on four pillars: ideological, media, countering terrorism financing, and military.
“The Sahel region is pivotal in the fight against terrorism,” Al-Moghedi remarked. “This initiative embodies our commitment to partnership and cooperation, building sustainable local capabilities to empower communities in facing these challenges.”
The program, supported by Saudi Arabia, will span five years, beginning its implementation in Mauritania. It includes 239 activities aimed at strengthening counterterrorism agencies, combating extremist ideologies, and raising public awareness of terrorism’s dangers.
An introductory film during the event outlined the IMCTC’s objectives, tracing its establishment to 2015 by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The coalition, comprising 42 member states as of 2024, aims to achieve global leadership in combating terrorism through collective action.
Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister and IMCTC Defense Ministers Council Chairman, Prince Khalid bin Salman, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to the coalition during its second defense ministers’ meeting in Riyadh in February 2024. He announced a contribution of SAR 100 million to fund IMCTC initiatives and pledged 46 training programs across the coalition’s areas of work to support member countries.
The launch marks the beginning of a new phase of coordinated efforts to address terrorism in the Sahel, reflecting the IMCTC’s dedication to fostering security and peace in the region through sustainable and collaborative strategies.
