During a recent UN Security Council meeting on Monday, counter-terrorism officials issued a stark warning about the growing and evolving threat posed by Daesh ISIS to international peace and security. The discussion centred on the 20th biannual report of the Secretary-General on the ongoing global challenge of Daesh and its affiliates, with a particular focus on their activities in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. As terrorism continues to reshape global security dynamics, the report highlights the shifting tactics of Daesh and calls for urgent, multilateral responses to address the threat.
The Persistent and Evolving Threat of Daesh
The briefing emphasised the persistent nature of Daesh’s threat despite significant counter-terrorism efforts by member states and international partners. The terrorist group, while greatly weakened in certain regions, continues to adapt and evolve its methods of operation, making it a persistent danger. The report underscored how Daesh and its affiliates have increasingly targeted vulnerable regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, where the group has expanded its reach and intensified its attacks.
The UN counter-terrorism officials noted that Da’esh continues to make inroads in the Sahel, West Africa & East Africa regions already plagued by other forms of instability. In these areas, terrorist groups affiliated with Daesh have stepped up attacks, including targeting civilians, military installations, and critical infrastructure. The impact of these attacks has been felt most acutely in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, where violent assaults on schools have disrupted education systems and left communities in turmoil.
In East Africa, Daesh has increasingly recruited foreign terrorist fighters, particularly in Somalia, where it has established a strong presence. Terrorist recruitment has become a growing issue, exacerbating the instability in the region. However, a significant development has recently emerged in Puntland State of Somalia, where Puntland forces have achieved a notable military victory over ISIS. Puntland forces captured the strategic village of Dharin after a weeks-long offensive, inflicting heavy casualties on ISIS and disrupting their operations in the area. This victory represents a major setback for Daesh in Somalia and is a testament to the efforts of local forces to counter the growing terrorist presence. Despite this success, the broader threat posed by Daesh remains significant, with terrorist groups continuing to recruit and operate across borders.
Similarly, the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC has been facing escalating violence from the Allied Democratic Forces ADF, a group affiliated with Daesh, which has caused numerous civilian casualties despite military interventions by local and regional forces.
Key Points from the Secretary-General’s Report
The 20th biannual report of the Secretary-General outlines several critical aspects of the global threat posed by Daesh.
Continued Resilience of Daesh
Despite military setbacks, Daesh remains resilient, with its affiliates continuing to recruit fighters, plan attacks, and expand territorial control in certain areas.
Threats in Africa
The report underscores the rising danger in sub-Saharan Africa, where Daesh affiliates, like ISGS and ISWAP, have significantly expanded their operations. The threat to civilian populations, especially in West Africa & the Sahel, remains high.
Syria and Iraq
The volatile situation in Syria and Iraq continues to be a critical concern, particularly with stockpiles of advanced weapons that could fall into the hands of terrorist groups. The report warns of the risk posed by camps in northeastern Syria, where thousands of individuals linked to Daesh remain detained, including foreign fighters.
International Repatriation Efforts
One key challenge highlighted in the briefing is the declining pace of repatriations. While some countries have made progress in repatriating their nationals from camps in Syria and Iraq, many others have failed to act. The report urges member states to prioritise the safe and dignified return of their citizens from these facilities.
The Role of Technology
The Secretary-General’s report also highlights the growing misuse of technology by terrorist groups, including the use of drones and online platforms to recruit, spread propaganda, and coordinate attacks. Efforts to counter these tactics, including through the CT TECH (+) initiative, are essential to limiting the impact of Daesh’s operations.
The Need for Multilateral Action
The briefing underscored that addressing the evolving threat of Daesh requires sustained multilateral action. While some regions have made progress in combating terrorism, the nature of the threat necessitates collaboration at all levels: local, regional, & global. Counterterrorism experts emphasised the importance of supporting African nations with capacity-building efforts, providing training, resources, and technical assistance to improve regional security.
One of the key themes was the importance of international cooperation in enhancing border security. As terrorists move across borders, often taking advantage of weak security infrastructure, efforts like the Dushanbe Process & the Kuwait Declaration on border management are crucial in preventing the movement of terrorists and weapons. Furthermore, border security initiatives such as the Countering Terrorist Travel program are helping to strengthen international collaboration to prevent terrorist movements.
A Call for Immediate Action
In light of the ongoing threat posed by Daesh, the briefing concluded with a call for immediate and sustained action from the international community. The UN’s Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact remains committed to providing support to member states, particularly in building the capacities of countries facing the brunt of Daesh’s influence, such as those in Africa. However, the success of these efforts hinges on the willingness of Member States to invest in long-term counter-terrorism strategies and prioritise collaboration across borders.
Conclusion
The 20th biannual report on Daesh underscores the evolving and persistent threat that the terrorist group poses to international peace and security. The briefing to the UN Security Council highlighted the urgent need for continued, multilateral cooperation to combat Daesh’s growing influence, particularly in Africa. While recent local successes, such as the victory in Puntland, offer hope, the broader challenge remains daunting.
The international community must work together to address the root causes of terrorism, strengthen security measures, & support countries on the frontlines of this global battle. Only through sustained efforts and collective action can we hope to mitigate the threat posed by Daesh and its Affiliates.
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By Abdifatah Shirwa, independent Researcher & Security analyst. Twitter X username is @AbdifatahShirwa.
For a detailed overview of the issues discussed in this article, please refer to the 20th biannual report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by Daesh to international peace and security