IMCTC Launches Anti-Terror Program in Sahel with Saudi Support

The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) launched a comprehensive program to combat terrorism in the Sahel region on Monday, December 2, 2024, in Nouakchott, Mauritania, with strong support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The launch ceremony, attended by Mauritanian Minister of Defense Hanena Ould Sidi and IMCTC Secretary-General Major General Pilot Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, brought together senior officials from the Mauritanian government, including the ministers of interior, justice, Islamic affairs, culture, and communication, as well as ambassadors from IMCTC member and supporting states.

Context and Background

The IMCTC was established at the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and announced by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in December 2015. As of 2024, the coalition comprises 42 member countries united in their commitment to combating terrorism through organized collective action. The Sahel region has become a critical focal point in the global fight against terrorism, with extremist groups exploiting vast, ungoverned spaces to launch attacks and destabilize communities.

Key Details of the Program

Speaking at the event, Mauritanian Defense Minister Hanena Ould Sidi emphasized that terrorism poses a grave threat to humanity, particularly in the Sahel, and stressed the importance of collective efforts to make the IMCTC program a significant initiative. The five-year program will begin its first year in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, encompassing 239 activities aimed at enhancing the efficiency of agencies responsible for combating terrorism, strengthening their capabilities, countering terrorist ideologies, and raising awareness about its dangers.

Major General Al-Moghedi highlighted that the program represents a cornerstone in combating terrorism and enhancing regional stability, reflecting the IMCTC’s comprehensive vision to address terrorism across four pillars: ideological, media, countering terrorism financing, and military. He noted that the Sahel countries are a crucial focal point, and the IMCTC’s commitment to the region reflects its belief in the importance of partnership and cooperation to achieve security and peace.

Saudi Arabia’s Support and Commitment

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has provided substantial backing for the program. On February 3, 2024, during the second meeting of the IMCTC Defense Ministers Council in Riyadh, Saudi Minister of Defense and Chairman of the Council Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz announced that Saudi Arabia would contribute SAR 100 million (approximately $26.7 million) to fund initiatives within the IMCTC. Additionally, the Kingdom will provide 46 training programs across the IMCTC’s areas of work, as part of its contribution alongside member countries to implement the coalition’s initiatives.

Implications and Regional Impact

The launch of this program in the Sahel marks a new phase of joint efforts aimed at building sustainable local capabilities that empower communities to effectively confront terrorist challenges. By focusing on ideological, media, financial, and military pillars, the IMCTC seeks to create a comprehensive response to terrorism that addresses both its root causes and its operational manifestations. The involvement of multiple Mauritanian ministries underscores the whole-of-government approach required to counter extremism effectively.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a global leader in security, stability, and humanitarian cooperation. By supporting counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel, Saudi Arabia is extending its strategic partnerships and contributing to a safer, more prosperous world. The program reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering regional stability, promoting peace, and building resilient communities, all of which are core objectives of Vision 2030’s global engagement agenda.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition?

A1. The IMCTC is a 42-member coalition established at the initiative of Saudi Arabia in December 2015, aiming to coordinate global efforts against terrorism through ideological, media, financial, and military pillars.

Q2. When and where was the Sahel program launched?

A2. The program was launched on December 2, 2024, in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, during a ceremony attended by senior Mauritanian officials and IMCTC representatives.

Q3. Who attended the launch ceremony?

A3. Attendees included Mauritanian Defense Minister Hanena Ould Sidi, IMCTC Secretary-General Major General Pilot Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, and several Mauritanian ministers of interior, justice, Islamic affairs, culture, and communication.

Q4. What is the primary goal of the program in the Sahel?

A4. The program aims to combat terrorism in the Sahel by enhancing local capabilities, strengthening counterterrorism agencies, countering extremist ideologies, and raising awareness about terrorist dangers.

Q5. How long will the program last?

A5. The program is designed to span five years, with its first year focused on the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

Q6. How many activities does the program include?

A6. The program comprises 239 activities designed to improve the efficiency and capabilities of agencies responsible for countering terrorism.

Q7. What are the four pillars of the IMCTC?

A7. The four pillars are ideological, media, countering terrorism financing, and military, providing a comprehensive framework for addressing terrorism.

Q8. What financial support has Saudi Arabia provided?

A8. Saudi Arabia has contributed SAR 100 million (about $26.7 million) to fund IMCTC initiatives.

Q9. How many training programs will Saudi Arabia provide?

A9. Saudi Arabia will offer 46 training programs across the IMCTC’s areas of work as part of its contribution.

Q10. Why is the Sahel region important in counterterrorism?

A10. The Sahel is a crucial focal point due to the presence of extremist groups exploiting ungoverned spaces, making it a key area for coordinated international counterterrorism efforts.

Q11. Who announced the Saudi contribution?

A11. Saudi Minister of Defense and Chairman of the IMCTC’s Defense Ministers Council Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz announced the contribution in February 2024.

Q12. How many member countries does the IMCTC have?

A12. As of 2024, the IMCTC includes 42 member countries working together against terrorism.

Q13. What role does Mauritania play in the program?

A13. Mauritania is hosting the program’s first year, reflecting its strategic importance and commitment to regional stability in the Sahel.

Q14. What did the Mauritanian defense minister say at the launch?

A14. Minister Hanena Ould Sidi emphasized that terrorism is a grave threat to humanity and stressed the need for collective efforts to make the IMCTC program a significant initiative.

Q15. What is the vision of the IMCTC?

A15. The IMCTC aims to achieve global leadership in the fight against terrorism through coordinated, collective action among member states.

Q16. How does the program address terrorist ideologies?

A16. The program includes activities to counter terrorist ideologies and raise awareness about the dangers of extremism, focusing on ideological and media pillars.

Q17. What is the significance of the program for regional stability?

A17. The program marks a new phase of joint efforts to build sustainable local capabilities, empowering communities to effectively confront terrorist challenges and enhance peace.

Q18. How does this program support Vision 2030?

A18. It aligns with Vision 2030 by positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in security and stability, fostering international partnerships, and promoting humanitarian cooperation.

Q19. What did the IMCTC secretary-general say about the program?

A19. Major General Al-Moghedi stated that the program is a cornerstone in combating terrorism, reflecting the IMCTC’s comprehensive vision and commitment to the Sahel’s security.

Q20. What is the expected outcome of the program?

A20. The program aims to build sustainable capabilities in Sahel countries, enabling them to effectively counter terrorist threats and contribute to long-term regional stability.

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