UN Secretary-General António Guterres‏  has urged the international community to step up their support for Africa’s efforts in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

António Guterres‏, who was speaking during the opening of the African Regional High-Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism and the Prevention of Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism at the UN Habitat Nairobi, said that fighting terrorism & preventing extremism in Africa is essential to preserve peace & security in the world.

“Tremendous growth in Africa should not be affected by terrorism. We believe in the African leadership’s ability to develop African solutions. Terrorism and violent extremism cannot be won through enforcement alone, “António Guterres said.

The UN chief further stated that Education & job creation are key in preventing radicalization, especially among the youth.

“Education & job creation must be at the heart of all efforts to push back against radicalization,” He said.‏ 

President Kenyatta, who presided over the official opening of the African Regional High-Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism said Kenya has established anti-terrorism county action plans to reduce threats to the country

The President called on African states to enhance both their internal capacities to deal with terrorism as well as their preparedness to attend to cross border threats. He said Africa has the means and the will to defeat terrorism.

“Terrorism is a Pan-African threat that requires Pan-African responses and solutions. I call on the African Union to generate a powerful political consensus for confronting and defeating Terrorism and all other forms of violent extremism conducive to terrorism,” said president Kenyatta.

Kenya is one of the countries in Africa that have continued to bear the brunt of terrorism.