Armed groups including Daesh, Al-Qaeda and affiliates exploit dynamics and fragilities of local conflicts before moving headways to their agendas, while tearing apart the social fabric in entire countries with violence, mistrust and fear, the UN chief said.

During a Global Compact Against Terrorism meeting on the region, Guterres also warned that terrorism is engulfing millions of Africans, including women and girls, who are deeply vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence.

Guterres drew attention to the rise of such activities that expand the reach of continental networks with more fighters, funding and weapons, and forge links with transnational organized crime groups.

Their actions spread fear, misery and hateful ideologies through cyberspace, while civilians pay the highest price, he added while acknowledging the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, the Sahel, Benin, Togo and Somalia among the most affected areas.

“Every terrorist threat, every violent and extremist attack undermines our shared efforts to build and sustain peace, development and stability in Africa,” Guterres stated.

The path to curbing terrorism must be anchored to sustainable and inclusive development and human rights.

“For Africa, for Africans and for the world we share, let us remain united and forge new solutions to eliminate this shadow, once and for all,” Guterres stressed.

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