Each year on August 21, the international community observes the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, established by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution 72/165 of December 19, 2017. This day aims to pay tribute to the victims and survivors of terrorist acts, acknowledge their suffering, and promote the protection of their rights and dignity, as well as their access to justice, assistance, and redress.

Terrorism remains one of the gravest threats to peace, security, and sustainable development. Beyond the loss of life, it causes lasting physical and psychological trauma, destroys families, weakens communities, undermines economic and social development, and erodes the fundamental values ​​of tolerance, solidarity, and peaceful coexistence.

This international day serves as a reminder that victims of terrorism must never be forgotten. They deserve enduring recognition, tailored care, and effective support to enable them to rebuild their lives. It also highlights the importance of providing specific assistance to bereaved families, the injured, and communities deeply affected by these acts of violence.

It also offers an opportunity to raise awareness within the international community about the need for a comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism—one grounded in respect for human rights, the rule of law, and international law. Preventing violent extremism, strengthening international cooperation, improving governance, and promoting education, intercultural dialogue, and social inclusion are among the essential tools for effectively addressing the root causes of radicalization.

For Africa, this day holds particular significance. The continent is facing a proliferation of terrorist threats across several regions, notably in the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Horn of Africa, and Southern Africa. This violence undermines development efforts, displaces millions of people, and disrupts the functioning of public institutions and the delivery of essential services.

Against this backdrop, African institutions are called upon to strengthen their capacities in governance, conflict prevention, crisis management, and regional cooperation. An effective, transparent, and resilient public administration is a cornerstone for preventing violent extremism, restoring public trust, and promoting lasting peace.

The African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD) reaffirms its commitment to promoting good governance, strengthening the capacity of African public administrations, and developing inclusive public policies capable of addressing security challenges while upholding the rule of law and human rights. The Centre also encourages the sharing of experiences among African states to bolster their resilience against terrorist threats.

On this International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, CAFRAD expresses its deep solidarity with all victims, their families, and survivors. It reaffirms that the memory of the victims must inspire collective efforts to build safer, fairer, more inclusive, and more resilient societies, where peace, human dignity, and sustainable development remain the foundations of public action.

“Remembering victims, supporting survivors, and acting together to build a peaceful future is a shared responsibility of the international community.”