Niamey, January 31, 2025 – The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) officially launched the second phase of its Sahel Countries Program in Niamey, the capital of Niger, marking a significant milestone in the coalition’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism across the Sahel region. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Nigerien Minister of National Defense, Lt. Gen. Salifou Mody, and IMCTC Secretary-General, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghedi, along with ministers, ambassadors, senior officials, and regional experts. The launch of this phase underscores the importance of continued international collaboration in the fight against terrorism and extremist violence.
In his opening remarks, Maj. Gen. Al-Moghedi expressed his sincere gratitude to Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense and Chairman of the IMCTC Defense Ministers Council, for his unwavering support and leadership of the coalition’s initiatives. Al-Moghedi also reflected on the pivotal announcements made during the February 2024 IMCTC defense ministers' meeting, where Saudi Arabia committed a significant SAR 100 million toward strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the region’s security and counterterrorism efforts. This contribution, he noted, represents a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to supporting Sahel countries in their ongoing battle against terrorism.
The IMCTC’s approach during the second phase of the Sahel Countries Program focuses on a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy designed to bolster the region’s resilience against extremist groups. The coalition aims to provide a series of capacity-building programs that address critical aspects of the fight against terrorism. These initiatives will span several key domains, including intellectual, media, financial, and military sectors, all of which are crucial in countering the multifaceted threats posed by violent extremism. Through these programs, the IMCTC intends to empower member nations with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to strengthen their defenses and better coordinate efforts in combating terrorism.
A particularly notable aspect of the program is the 46 training programs offered by the IMCTC, designed specifically for candidates from member countries. These programs are part of a broader effort to enhance the capabilities of military, security, and law enforcement personnel across the region, ensuring they are equipped with the tools needed to address both the evolving nature of terrorist threats and the complex socio-political dynamics of the Sahel.
The launch of this second phase in Niamey also serves as a reminder of the growing urgency of addressing terrorism in the Sahel, a region that has been increasingly vulnerable to extremist groups over the past decade. With rising instability and security challenges, the Sahel countries have called for greater international support, and the IMCTC’s program is playing a key role in meeting these needs. The coalition’s collaborative approach, supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other international partners, is critical to stabilizing the region and providing a path toward peace and security.
As the second phase of the Sahel Countries Program gets underway, the IMCTC remains steadfast in its commitment to building lasting peace and security in the region. Through strategic partnerships, targeted capacity-building efforts, and continuous support from member countries, the coalition is working toward a safer and more resilient Sahel, where countries can effectively combat the threats of terrorism and violent extremism that continue to undermine regional stability.