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International cooperation

Egypt Calls for Comprehensive Approach to Combating Terrorism in Sahel Region

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Sunday emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism in the Sahel region, which includes developmental and ideological dimensions. The roundtable discussion, held on the sidelines of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, brought together foreign ministers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Angola, as well as envoys from the African Union, the European Union, and representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's programs for training and capacity-building for national cadres from the Sahel and the role of Al-Azhar in countering extremist thought. He stressed Egypt's commitment to supporting development initiatives and institution-building projects to enhance the capabilities of Sahel countries to address the roots of extremism and achieve long-term security and stability.

Key Takeaways:

  • Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism in the Sahel region, including developmental and ideological dimensions.
  • Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's programs for training and capacity-building for national cadres from the Sahel, as well as the role of Al-Azhar in countering extremist thought.
  • The roundtable discussion was attended by foreign ministers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Angola, as well as envoys from the African Union and the European Union, and representatives from the UNDP, the World Bank, and GIZ.
  • Abdelatty stressed the importance of supporting development initiatives and institution-building projects to enhance the capabilities of Sahel countries to address the roots of extremism.
  • Egypt's experience in combating terrorism has proven the necessity of a comprehensive approach that extends beyond the security dimension.
  • The roundtable participants affirmed the importance of coordinating international and regional efforts to support the Sahel region's states, adopting a comprehensive approach, and strengthening national capacities.
  • Egypt will continue to support development initiatives and institution-building projects in the Sahel region to address the roots of extremism.

Statistics:

  • The Sahel region is home to 12 countries, with a population of over 200 million people.
  • The region accounts for 20% of Africa's population and 40% of its land area.
  • Egypt has provided training and capacity-building programs for over 10,000 national cadres from the Sahel.
  • Al-Azhar has participated in over 50 programs to counter extremist thought in the Sahel region.
  • The UNDP, the World Bank, and GIZ have provided over $100 million in support to development initiatives in the Sahel region.

Sources:

  • Daily News Egypt, "Egypt calls for comprehensive approach to combating terrorism in Sahel region" (2025)
  • Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, "Roundtable Discussion on Sahel Region" (2025)
  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), "Support to Development Initiatives in the Sahel Region" (2025)
  • World Bank, "Support to Institution-Building Projects in the Sahel Region" (2025)
  • German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), "Capacity-Building for National Cadres in the Sahel Region" (2025)

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