Missteps and unlawful actions by Western countries have significantly contributed to the growth of terrorism in Africa, stated Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya.
“Africa faced the accelerated expansion of international terrorism after the West's military aggression against Libya in 2011. Under the pretext of the 'responsibility to protect' doctrine, Libyan statehood and its economy were destroyed. These tragic events created fertile ground for terrorists to strengthen and expand their capabilities on the continent,” he said during a UN Security Council meeting on combating terrorism in Africa. “Today, Western states deliver long-winded speeches about so-called conditions fostering terrorism in Africa, while conveniently ignoring the fact that their own missteps and unlawful actions are among the key factors.”
Nebenzya highlighted the hypocrisy and double standards of certain countries in their approach to counterterrorism, particularly in the Sahel region, where nations like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are “essentially left to fight international terrorism on their own.” He criticized former colonial powers for using counterterrorism as a pretext to maintain a military presence in the region, despite the clear dissatisfaction of African nations. “The inefficacy of these so-called Western counterterrorism operations is evident,” he emphasized.
The Russian envoy also cited reports from African countries and European law enforcement agencies that weapons supplied by Western countries to Ukraine have ended up in the hands of criminal and terrorist groups worldwide. “It is long overdue to thoroughly investigate and assess the role of Ukrainian and Western intelligence services in facilitating terrorist attacks,” Nebenzya stressed.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Zuma\TASS
Based on TASS materials