APSACO 9th Edition-Rethinking Counterterrorism & Defense Policies in Africa: From Vision to Capacity

June 19, 2025

The evolving threat of terrorism across Africa, from the Sahel to the Horn and beyond, continues to challenge national governments, regional stability, and international peace efforts. While military operations and security-driven strategies have dominated the counterterrorism landscape, they have often yielded limited, short-term results.  

The persistence and expansion of terrorist networks call for a deeper reassessment of current approaches and a renewed emphasis on inclusive, coordinated, and sustainable responses. In this context, the role of multilateral cooperation and the alignment of international and regional priorities become increasingly crucial. 

- How can African states and their international partners move beyond militarized responses to adopt more holistic counterterrorism strategies? 

- What lessons can be drawn from past cooperation efforts, and how can they inform a more unified and effective counterterrorism framework? 

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