The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) 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 attended the launch ceremony along with several military and civilian leaders from Sahel countries and representatives from international and regional organizations and diplomatic bodies.

In his opening remarks, Al-Moghedi emphasized that the program’s launch in Chad represents a strategic milestone in the coalition's efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, leveraging integrated mechanisms that address ideological, media, and military aspects while also combating the financing of terrorism. He emphasized the collaboration of member states as the best approach to achieving security and stability in the region.

Al-Moghedi praised Chad’s pivotal role as an active partner in the fight against terrorism in Africa and its active membership within the coalition, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The IMCTC Secretary-General noted that the program is part of an ambitious plan launched by the coalition, which includes conducting 90 training programs for over 4,600 trainees along with 20 awareness programs in 15 countries. So far, 25 programs have been executed involving 284 trainees from 26 countries, he added.

Aghabache delivered a speech on behalf of the armed forces minister, welcoming the launch of the quality program on Chadian soil. He praised the IMCTC’s role in supporting Sahel countries and enhancing their efforts to combat terrorism and its financing. He reaffirmed Chad’s commitment to strengthening international and regional cooperation in combating terrorism and its funding.

Saudi Arabia took the initiative to establish the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC). HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, announced the establishment of IMCTC in December, 2015, in order to consolidate Muslim countries’ efforts in countering terrorism.

The Chiefs of Staff of Muslim countries affirmed, in their inaugural meeting, in March 2016, their determination to intensify their efforts to counter-terrorism through joint action, based on each country’s capabilities and willingness to participate in the initiatives or programs, within IMCTC framework, in accordance with each country’s policies and regulations and without comprising the sovereignty of IMCTC member countries. Meanwhile, they stressed the importance of activating the launch of IMCTC during the meeting of member countries’ Defense Ministers.