In the last two years, these groups have expanded across large areas of the Sahel, increasing their presence in Mali while penetrating further into Burkina Faso and Niger. The situation in the Sahel and West Africa is particularly urgent, with some of the most violent affiliates of Da’esh operating in the region. Some terrorist groups have a misogynistic worldview that denies women and girls their fundamental rights. Women and girls in particular bear the brunt of insecurity and inequality. Their senseless, terror-fuelled violence has killed and wounded thousands.Īnd many more continue to suffer from the broader impact of terrorism on their lives and on their livelihoods. Terrorists and violent extremists including Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates have exploited instability and conflict to increase their activities and intensify attacks across the continent. Terrorism is a major threat to international peace and security.Īnd nowhere has this threat been felt more keenly than in Africa. I would like thank the Ghanaian Presidency for convening this debate on such an urgent issue. Let me begin by conveying greetings from Secretary-General António Guterres, on whose behalf I will be delivering these remarks today.