Countering Terrorism Financing In Africa : Peace Support Trainers Learn Disruption Mechanisms

Officers of the African Peace Support Trainers Association (APSTA) on June 2, 2023 concluded a two-day international workshop on the theme, “Countering the financing of terrorism in Africa.” The capacity building workshop which began on June 1, 2023 was presided at by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, (MINDEF), Saïd Kamsouloum on behalf of Minister Joseph Beti Assomo. It is organised by APSTA, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes and has the principal objective of better coordinating intelligence at disrupting the financing of terrorism actions for sustainable peace and development on the African continent. 
In his inaugural statement, the Secretary General of MINDEF noted that the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, attaches so much importance to peace and development at the regional and continental levels, reason Cameroon hosts the Permanent Secretariat of APSTA. Saïd Kamsouloum added that for the last three years, the institution has organised innovative capacity building workshops and carried out research that has led to several recommendations on consolidating peace and security. He added that the theme of the international workshop is imperative on elaborating a new strategy to counter terrorism as constant financing of the frightening act is one of the factors that makes terrorist groups resilient. The Secretary General urged diplomatic missions to support the initiatives of APSTA through reinforced partnerships. 
A keynote address was given by the Programme Officer, CFT Focal Point of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, Philip Divett, highlighted various legal and institutional frameworks as well as challenges on countering the financing of terrorism. Moderating the proper use of t...