The 2024-2027 Beijing Action Plan, developed during the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, outlines strategies for China to support Africa in its fight against the growing threat of terrorism.
According to a 2023 report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Sub-Saharan Africa faces the highest number of terrorist attacks globally. In response, China has committed to assisting African nations in building their counterterrorism capacities.
The summit document emphasizes China’s support for African efforts to combat terrorism, while condemning the politicization of counterterrorism efforts and calling for consistent international backing. China will provide expertise to the African Center for Study and Research on Terrorism in Algiers and assist the UN’s counterterrorism office in Rabat.
China and African leaders agreed to focus their cooperation on regions hardest hit by terrorism, such as the Horn of Africa, Cabo Delgado, and the Sahel. They pledged to continue holding meetings of the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum, strengthening institutional frameworks, and increasing exchanges between military officials from both sides.
Additionally, both parties will enhance intelligence-sharing and coordination in combating international terrorist organizations. They also plan to protect key shipping routes in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Guinea, Indian Ocean, and Somali waters.
African leaders expressed their gratitude for China’s advocacy on their behalf at international forums and requested more support, particularly in the Sahel region, which has been severely affected by terrorism and struggles to achieve socioeconomic development.
The FOCAC summit, held from September 4-6, 2024, brought together more than 40 African leaders.
