The Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
(CCCPA) hosted a roundtable discussion titled “Rethinking Counterterrorism Responses in the Sahel and the Wider West Africa Region”, on 22 February in Cairo.
This timely roundtable discussion provided an opportunity to reflect on the current efforts in preventing and countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism in the Sahel, and in the broader West Africa region in general.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ahmed Abdel-Latif, Director-General of CCCPA and Executive Director of the Aswan Forum Secretariat, highlighted the importance CCCPA attaches to the exchange of experiences with other African institutions working in the field with a view to drawing lessons and identifying best practices.

This roundtable featured a presentation by Dr. Bakary Sambe, the Regional Director, Timbuktu Institute in Dakar, on the work of the center in this regard. This was followed by a vibrant discussion, with the participation of several experts and partners, which emphasized the necessity of advancing holistic responses and contextualized strategies to limit the spillover of terrorism in Africa.

Participants also underlined the need to avoid imported solutions to tackle the surge of
terrorism in the region. Moreover, they stressed the centrality of national and local ownership on devising ongoing and future responses to prevent and counter violent extremism conducive to terrorism. Furthermore, they emphasized the importance of effective and sustainable support through partnerships, in a manner that contributes towards building effective institutions and strengthening responses that prioritize local communities’ needs and aspirations.