NIAMEY — The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) has launched the second phase of its Sahel Countries Program in Niamey, Niger, in a ceremony attended by Nigerien Minister of National Defense Lt. Gen. Salifou Mody and IMCTC Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghedi, alongside ministers, ambassadors, senior officials, and regional experts.

In his opening remarks, Al-Moghedi expressed deep appreciation for Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Minister of Defense and chairman of the IMCTC Defense Ministers Council, for his steadfast support in advancing the coalition’s objectives.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts, referencing the SR100 million strategic initiative pledged by the Kingdom during the IMCTC defense ministers’ meeting in February 2024.

Al-Moghedi also emphasized Saudi Arabia’s extensive backing for the Sahel countries, including the provision of 46 training programs tailored for candidates from IMCTC member states.

During this second phase, IMCTC aims to implement a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy through a series of capacity-building programs targeting key domains such as intellectual, media, financial, and military sectors, with the goal of strengthening the Sahel region’s resilience against extremist threats. — SPA