N'djamena: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) on Monday officially launched the fourth round of the Sahel Countries Program in the Chadian capital, N'Djamena. Chad's Minister of Public Security and Immigration General Ali Ahmat Aghabache and IMCTC Secretary-General Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi were present at the launch ceremony. The event also saw participation from military and civilian leaders from Sahel countries, as well as representatives from international and regional organizations and diplomatic bodies.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Moghedi highlighted that the program's launch in Chad marks a significant step in the coalition's ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism and extremism. The program aims to employ integrated strategies addressing ideological, media, and military components, alongside combating terrorism financing. Al-Moghedi stressed the importance of collaboration among member states to achieve regional security and stability.
Al-Moghedi acknowledged Chad's crucial role as a partner in Africa's fight against terrorism and its active participation within the coalition. He further explained that the program forms part of a broader initiative by the coalition, which plans to conduct 90 training programs for over 4,600 trainees and 20 awareness programs across 15 countries. To date, 25 programs have been executed, involving 284 trainees from 26 countries.
General Aghabache, speaking on behalf of the armed forces minister, welcomed the program's launch in Chad, commending the IMCTC's support for Sahel countries in their counterterrorism efforts. He reiterated Chad's dedication to enhancing international and regional cooperation in combating terrorism and its financing.