The United States has raised concern over the increasing number and lethality of terrorist attacks in Africa, while seeking that Africa-based ISIL and Al-Qaida affiliates be listed in the 1267 Sanctions Committee, so they will be subject to a worldwide asset freeze.

Member States were also urged to support the designation of additional individuals in the Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee.

In a statement at a United Nations (UN) Security Council Briefing on Counterterrorism in Africa, given by Chargé d ’Affairs ad interim, U.S. Representative to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Dorothy Shea, terrorists would only stand to benefit from the Council’s inaction, particularly since money continues to be its lifeblood.

“The United States calls for action to address the growing relationship between the Houthis in Yemen and Al-Shabaab and other malign actors in Somalia as documented in reporting by the UN sanctions panel of experts. The trade in arms and exchange of tactical and operational expertise between these groups will negatively impact security in Africa, the Middle East, and far beyond,” she said.

She applauded the African Union’s (AU) efforts to strengthen its counterterrorism architecture, adding the need to collectively do more to track terrorist recruitment in Africa and the movement of foreign terrorist fighter recruits within, to, and from Africa.

According to her, when security efforts respect the rule of law and human rights, it builds trust in the police and military that is vital to undermining terrorist recruitment. Whereas, if a population suffers human rights violations at the hands of security services, and when governments fail to provide services, civilians may turn to violent extremists for protection, mediation of conflicts, and the provision of justice.

She stated that civil society, particularly women and youth, participate in the development and implementation of counterterrorism measures.