The Sahel Solidarity Campaign Network (SaS-CaN) vehemently condemns the horrific terrorist attack on the village of Petel Kole in Niger, which tragically coincided with the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This brutal act, claiming at least ten lives and wounding many more, stands as a stark affront to human dignity and international peace. SaS-CaN extends its deepest condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, nations grappling with the escalating scourge of terrorism. The organization emphasizes the absolute necessity of global condemnation and unified action against this threat to civilization.
SaS-CaN categorically rejects any association of terrorism with religion, particularly Islam, highlighting that these violent acts originate from external forces manipulating vulnerable populations for ulterior motives. The organization points to the aftermath of the Libyan conflict, and the subsequent destabilization of the region, as a breeding ground for these terrorist groups. The surge in violence across the Sahel is not a spontaneous phenomenon but a calculated strategy aimed at disrupting peace, security, and development in Africa. SaS-CaN calls for international recognition of the external forces driving this crisis and demands accountability for the perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of these heinous acts.
The network underscores the urgent need for a concerted global response to combat terrorism in the Sahel. The international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, must take decisive action to disrupt the financial networks that sustain these terrorist organizations. Africans both within the continent and in the diaspora must exert pressure on the international community to bring the perpetrators to justice and hold accountable those responsible for the immense human suffering and destruction of infrastructure and environment. SaS-CaN emphasizes that terrorism, in all its forms, is criminal and unjustifiable, irrespective of motivation or perpetrator.
SaS-CaN emphasizes the need to differentiate between genuine partners and those who perpetuate instability in the region. The organization accuses certain unnamed foreign powers of complicity in the ongoing violence, suggesting their involvement in a “genocidal and race purification campaign.” These actors, the organization argues, are exploiting the situation to advance their own economic and geopolitical agendas in Africa. SaS-CaN calls for an immediate cessation of support and safe haven provided to terrorist groups operating in the Sahel, stressing the need for genuine international collaboration to address the root causes of the conflict and promote sustainable peace and development.
The organization urges African nations to stand united in the face of these trials and tribulations. They advocate for a comprehensive approach to counterterrorism that respects international law, including human rights law, refugee law, and humanitarian law. SaS-CaN asserts that lasting solutions require addressing the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to vulnerability to extremist ideologies. The network also calls for increased investment in education, job creation, and community development initiatives to build resilience and foster peaceful coexistence.
Ultimately, SaS-CaN’s message is a call for global solidarity and action. Terrorism in the Sahel is not simply a regional issue but a global threat that demands a unified response. The organization urges the international community to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to support the people of the Sahel in their fight against terrorism and build a future of peace, security, and prosperity. They call for an end to the exploitation of the region for external agendas and a commitment to genuine partnership based on mutual respect and shared responsibility.
