Zimbabwe has called for stronger international cooperation to counter the growing threat of terrorism, particularly in Africa, following the adoption of the Ninth Review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS) during the 2026 United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week currently underway in New York.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly after the adoption of the resolution, Director General of Zimbabwe’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Major General Funnie Mutize, described the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy as the cornerstone of international efforts to combat terrorism.
“The Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy remains the single internationally agreed blueprint to counter terrorism.
“It provides the international community with a comprehensive framework for preventing and combating terrorism while strengthening cooperation among Member States,” he said.
Major General Mutize expressed concern over the changing nature of terrorist threats across the African continent, warning that extremist groups were increasingly exploiting local challenges to advance their agendas.
“The terrorism threat has recently gained intensity in parts of Africa, where terrorist affiliates are operating largely autonomously and tailoring their narratives in line with local grievances,” he told the General Assembly.
He said the evolving threat required renewed commitment from the international community, noting that no country could effectively combat terrorism in isolation.
“We therefore need to strengthen international solidarity, enhance intelligence and information sharing, build national capacities and deepen cooperation at regional and global levels if we are to effectively address this evolving menace,” he said.
Major General Mutize further stressed that implementing the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in a balanced and comprehensive manner was critical to addressing both the immediate threats posed by terrorist groups and the underlying conditions that fuel violent extremism.
He reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the United Nations-led counter-terrorism agenda, saying the country remained dedicated to working with other Member States to promote international peace and security.
“Zimbabwe remains committed to the effective implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and will continue to work with all Member States in advancing our collective objective of eliminating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he said.
The adoption of the ninth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy reaffirms the international community’s commitment to strengthening global efforts against terrorism while responding to emerging security threats.
The strategy remains the principal United Nations framework guiding member states in preventing terrorism, countering violent extremism, enhancing international cooperation and ensuring that counter-terrorism measures are implemented in accordance with international law and respect for human rights.
