IMCTC Chief Discusses Cooperation with Regional Centre on Small Arms

Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Secretary-General Mohammed Al-Moghedi met with Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) Executive Secretary Jean Pierre Betindji in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday to discuss enhanced cooperation in countering terrorism and the proliferation of small arms. The meeting, held at RECSA headquarters in the Kenyan capital, is part of ongoing regional and global efforts to combat terrorism and enhance security and stability, according to official information released via the Saudi Press Agency.

What does this high-level engagement signal about Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in international security? The talks between the IMCTC and RECSA underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering partnerships that address shared security challenges across Africa and beyond. As the IMCTC continues to strengthen its global footprint, such collaborations are vital for building the capacities of member states and promoting collective security. The meeting also highlights the importance of aligning national policies with international agreements, particularly the United Nations Program of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Context and Background

The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, headquartered in Riyadh, was established in 2015 as a unified front against terrorism and violent extremism. With 42 member states, the IMCTC operates on four primary domains: ideology, communications, counter-terrorist financing, and military. Under the leadership of Secretary-General Mohammed Al-Moghedi, the coalition has intensified its efforts to coordinate counter-terrorism initiatives, share intelligence, and provide training to member states. The meeting with RECSA, a regional organization comprising 15 African member states, represents a strategic step in expanding the IMCTC’s reach into Africa, a continent facing significant challenges from small arms proliferation and terrorism.

Why is the partnership with RECSA particularly important now? Africa has long been plagued by the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, which fuels conflicts, enables terrorist groups, and undermines stability. RECSA, based in Nairobi, has been at the forefront of efforts to combat this scourge, coordinating disarmament programs and promoting a culture of peace in conflict-affected areas. By joining forces with RECSA, the IMCTC can leverage its expertise and resources to support these efforts, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of fostering global peace and security. The collaboration also reflects the Kingdom’s broader strategy of building international alliances to counter common threats.

The meeting in Nairobi comes amid growing international concern over the nexus between terrorism and organized crime, particularly the smuggling of small arms. According to the United Nations, the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons is estimated to be worth billions of dollars annually and is a major enabler of terrorism and armed conflict. The IMCTC’s engagement with RECSA is thus timely, as it seeks to address these challenges through joint training, information exchange, and technical expertise. This partnership is expected to enhance the capabilities of security and regulatory institutions in member states, enabling them to better detect, disrupt, and prevent arms trafficking.

Key Details of the Meeting

During the meeting, Al-Moghedi and Betindji explored several avenues for cooperation, focusing on counter-terrorism, combating the smuggling and proliferation of small arms, conducting joint training, and exchanging information and technical expertise. The two leaders emphasized the importance of integrated efforts to enhance the capabilities of security and regulatory institutions in member states. They also stressed the necessity of aligning national policies and legislation with relevant international agreements and protocols, particularly the United Nations Program of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons. This alignment is crucial for creating a coherent and effective response to the challenges posed by small arms trafficking.

Al-Moghedi commended RECSA’s role in supporting national capacity-building and coordinating initiatives aimed at disarmament and the promotion of a culture of peace, especially in areas affected by armed conflict. He noted that RECSA’s work is instrumental in reducing the availability of illicit arms and in fostering stability. Betindji, in turn, expressed his eagerness to develop an effective strategic partnership with the IMCTC, commending its pivotal role in combating terrorism and its financing regionally and globally. He acknowledged the IMCTC’s expertise and its potential to contribute significantly to RECSA’s mission.

In addition to his discussions with Betindji, Al-Moghedi’s program for his Kenya visit includes the launch of several specialized training programs to combat terror financing and money laundering. These programs, organized by the IMCTC as part of its strategic initiatives in member states, aim to equip security and financial professionals with the skills needed to detect and disrupt terrorist financing networks. The training will cover topics such as financial intelligence, risk assessment, and international cooperation. This initiative underscores the IMCTC’s comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism, addressing not only the military and ideological dimensions but also the financial underpinnings of terrorist organizations.

International and Regional Impact

How will this collaboration affect security dynamics in Africa and beyond? The partnership between the IMCTC and RECSA is expected to have far-reaching implications for regional security. By pooling resources and expertise, the two organizations can more effectively tackle the illicit trade in small arms, which is a key driver of conflict and terrorism in Africa. The joint training programs and information-sharing mechanisms will enhance the capabilities of member states, enabling them to better secure their borders, monitor arms flows, and disrupt terrorist networks. This, in turn, will contribute to greater stability and prosperity in the region, aligning with global efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.

Moreover, the meeting signals a deepening of Saudi Arabia’s engagement with African nations, building on the Kingdom’s broader diplomatic and economic outreach. Saudi Arabia has been strengthening its ties with African countries through investments, development projects, and security cooperation, as part of its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify partnerships and promote global stability. The IMCTC’s collaboration with RECSA is a concrete example of this outreach, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to addressing shared challenges through multilateral cooperation. It also reinforces the IMCTC’s role as a leading international counter-terrorism coalition, capable of forging strategic partnerships across regions.

The international community has welcomed such initiatives, recognizing that terrorism and small arms proliferation are transnational threats that require coordinated responses. The United Nations and other international bodies have consistently advocated for stronger cooperation among states and regional organizations to combat these issues. The IMCTC-RECSA partnership exemplifies the kind of collaborative approach needed to address complex security challenges. It also highlights the importance of aligning national laws and policies with international frameworks, such as the UN Program of Action, to ensure a unified and effective response.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What are the broader strategic benefits of this cooperation for Saudi Arabia and its partners? For Saudi Arabia, the partnership with RECSA enhances its standing as a responsible global actor committed to peace and security. It also supports the Kingdom’s economic interests by fostering stable environments conducive to trade and investment. Africa is a growing market for Saudi goods and services, and stability in the region is essential for realizing the full potential of economic ties. Furthermore, by taking a leading role in counter-terrorism efforts, Saudi Arabia reinforces its position as a key ally in the global fight against extremism, which can lead to increased security cooperation and intelligence sharing with other nations.

For RECSA and its member states, the collaboration with the IMCTC brings access to valuable resources, training, and expertise. The IMCTC’s experience in counter-terrorism financing and its sophisticated approach to ideological combat can complement RECSA’s efforts to control small arms. This synergy can lead to more effective disarmament programs, improved border security, and stronger institutions. Ultimately, the partnership aims to create a safer environment for citizens, enabling economic development and social progress. By addressing the root causes of conflict and instability, the collaboration contributes to long-term peace and prosperity in Africa.

The strategic significance of this meeting extends beyond the immediate region. It demonstrates the IMCTC’s ability to adapt and expand its partnerships to address emerging threats. As terrorist groups evolve and exploit new technologies and networks, international cooperation becomes ever more critical. The IMCTC-RECSA partnership sets a precedent for other regional organizations to engage with the coalition, potentially leading to a more integrated global counter-terrorism architecture. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes international cooperation and the Kingdom’s role as a bridge between cultures and regions.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does this collaboration reflect Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives? Vision 2030 is a comprehensive plan to diversify the Kingdom’s economy, empower its citizens, and enhance its global engagement. A key pillar of this vision is the promotion of peace and security, both domestically and internationally. By supporting the IMCTC’s efforts to combat terrorism and small arms proliferation, Saudi Arabia is actively contributing to global security, which in turn creates a more stable environment for economic growth and cultural exchange. The partnership with RECSA also aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of strengthening international partnerships and positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in humanitarian and security initiatives.

Furthermore, the training programs on combating terror financing and money laundering that Al-Moghedi launched during his visit are directly linked to Vision 2030’s emphasis on financial transparency and integrity. These programs help build the capacity of member states to protect their financial systems from abuse by terrorists and criminals, which is essential for attracting foreign investment and fostering sustainable development. By sharing its expertise, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to helping other nations achieve security and prosperity, reflecting the visionary leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. As the IMCTC continues to expand its partnerships, it will play an increasingly vital role in realizing the goals of Vision 2030 and contributing to a safer, more prosperous world.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the purpose of the meeting between IMCTC and RECSA?

A1. The meeting aimed to explore cooperation and coordination to counter terrorism, address the smuggling and proliferation of small arms, conduct joint training, and exchange information and technical expertise to bolster member states’ capacities.

Q2. Who represented the IMCTC at the meeting?

A2. The IMCTC was represented by its Secretary-General, Mohammed Al-Moghedi, who led the discussions with RECSA Executive Secretary Jean Pierre Betindji at RECSA headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Q3. What is RECSA and which countries does it comprise?

A3. RECSA is the Regional Centre on Small Arms, an organization that brings together 15 African member states. It works to support national capacity-building and coordinate disarmament initiatives to promote peace.

Q4. Where did the meeting take place?

A4. The meeting took place at the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) headquarters in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Q5. What are the main areas of cooperation discussed?

A5. The main areas included counter-terrorism, combating the smuggling and proliferation of small arms, conducting joint training programs, and exchanging information and technical expertise to enhance collective security.

Q6. Why is the illicit trade in small arms a concern for Africa?

A6. The illicit trade in small arms fuels conflicts, enables terrorist groups, and undermines stability. It is a major driver of violence and insecurity in many African regions, affecting development and peace.

Q7. How does the IMCTC support member states?

A7. The IMCTC supports member states by providing training, sharing intelligence, and coordinating counter-terrorism efforts across its four domains: ideology, communications, counter-terrorist financing, and military.

Q8. What is the United Nations Program of Action mentioned in the meeting?

A8. The UN Program of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons is a global framework that countries align their national policies with to combat arms trafficking.

Q9. What did Al-Moghedi commend about RECSA?

A9. Al-Moghedi commended RECSA’s role in supporting national capacity-building and coordinating initiatives aimed at disarmament and promoting a culture of peace, especially in conflict-affected areas.

Q10. What did Betindji say about the IMCTC?

A10. Betindji expressed eagerness to develop an effective strategic partnership with the IMCTC and commended its pivotal role in combating terrorism and its financing regionally and globally.

Q11. What additional activities are part of Al-Moghedi’s Kenya visit?

A11. His visit includes the launch of specialized training programs to combat terror financing and money laundering, organized by the IMCTC as part of its strategic initiatives in member states.

Q12. How does this collaboration align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A12. It aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of promoting global peace, security, and international cooperation, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in counter-terrorism and humanitarian efforts.

Q13. What is the significance of joint training programs?

A13. Joint training programs enhance the skills of security and financial professionals, enabling them to detect and disrupt terrorist financing networks and improve border security, thus contributing to collective security.

Q14. How does the IMCTC’s work benefit global security?

A14. By coordinating counter-terrorism efforts and sharing expertise, the IMCTC helps reduce the threat of terrorism worldwide, fostering stability and enabling economic development in affected regions.

Q15. What role does Saudi Arabia play in the IMCTC?

A15. Saudi Arabia is a founding member and hosts the IMCTC headquarters in Riyadh. The Kingdom provides leadership, resources, and strategic direction to the coalition’s counter-terrorism initiatives.

Q16. Why is countering terror financing important?

A16. Countering terror financing is crucial because it disrupts the financial networks that sustain terrorist activities. It prevents funds from reaching extremist groups, thereby reducing their operational capabilities.

Q17. What are the expected outcomes of the IMCTC-RECSA partnership?

A17. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacities of member states to combat small arms trafficking, improved information sharing, and stronger alignment with international protocols, leading to greater regional stability.

Q18. How does this meeting reflect Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy?

A18. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy of building international partnerships to address shared security challenges, promoting peace, and supporting global counter-terrorism efforts through multilateral cooperation.

Q19. What is the IMCTC’s approach to counter-terrorism?

A19. The IMCTC employs a comprehensive approach across four domains: ideology, communications, counter-terrorist financing, and military. It focuses on coordination, capacity-building, and sharing best practices among member states.

Q20. What message does this collaboration send to the international community?

A20. It sends a message of unity and determination in combating terrorism and small arms proliferation. It highlights the importance of international cooperation and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global security and stability.

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