On Monday, December 4, 2024, the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) launched its highly anticipated program to combat terrorism in the Sahel region, marking a key development in the collective efforts to stabilize the area. The event took place in the Mauritanian capital of Nouakchott and saw the attendance of several high-ranking officials, including Mauritanian Minister of Defense Hanena Ould Sidi and IMCTC Secretary-General Major General Pilot Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi. Other distinguished guests included ministers from various Mauritanian government sectors—Interior, Justice, Islamic Affairs, Culture, and Communication—as well as ambassadors from IMCTC member states and partner nations.
In his address, Mauritanian Defense Minister Hanena Ould Sidi stressed the severe and growing threat posed by terrorism in the Sahel, calling it a direct challenge to the region's security and stability, with far-reaching implications for global peace. He highlighted the importance of joint action, emphasizing that the program launched by the IMCTC represents a significant step in the fight against terrorism. Minister Hanena expressed his support for the initiative, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve tangible and lasting results in combating extremism.
The IMCTC Secretary-General, Major General Al-Moghedi, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the new program is a cornerstone in the broader effort to counter terrorism and promote regional stability. He noted that it reflects the coalition’s comprehensive approach to fighting terrorism in all its forms, addressing not only military aspects but also the ideological, media, and financial dimensions of the threat. Al-Moghedi emphasized the critical role of the Sahel countries in the global counterterrorism effort and reaffirmed the IMCTC’s commitment to supporting the region through a unified approach that prioritizes partnership and cooperation.
The remarks of both leaders were preceded by an introductory film showcasing the IMCTC’s mission and goals. The coalition, which was established in December 2015 at the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and endorsed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to provide a global platform for coordinated action against terrorism. As of 2024, the coalition consists of 42 member countries, reflecting its growing influence in the fight against terrorism.
The newly launched program is designed to span five years, with its first year focused on implementation within Mauritania. It includes 239 activities aimed at enhancing the capacity of local agencies and administrations to combat terrorism more effectively. The program focuses on strengthening these institutions, countering extremist ideologies, and raising public awareness about the dangers of terrorism. By equipping local communities with the tools and knowledge to tackle these challenges, the IMCTC seeks to build sustainable, self-reliant capabilities to fight terrorism in the long term.
The program is supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has pledged significant resources to ensure its success. During the second meeting of the IMCTC’s Defense Ministers Council in February 2024, Saudi Minister of Defense and Chairman of the IMCTC’s Defense Ministers Council, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, announced that Saudi Arabia would contribute SAR 100 million to fund various initiatives within the IMCTC framework. He also revealed that Saudi Arabia would provide 46 training programs across the coalition's key areas of work, further reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing counterterrorism capabilities across member states. This generous support highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to regional stability and its role in advancing the collective security goals of the IMCTC.
As the Sahel faces growing security challenges, the IMCTC’s launch of this program signifies a new phase in the region’s efforts to combat terrorism. Through strategic cooperation, resource sharing, and capacity building, the coalition aims to make significant strides toward achieving long-term peace and security in the Sahel and beyond.
