Terrorism: Time For Collective Action

African leaders met in Nairobi, Kenya
early this month and brought to the
table the menace of terrorism and measures to adopt in addressing the malaise as a continent.  In fact, they are considering the establishment of a special fund for the purpose.
It is interesting to note that the heads of African nations referred to terrorism in the continent as an African problem to which they must find African solution for.  “We have the means and capacity to face any given situation even terrorism”, they said.
Although, coming a little too late, the resolve of African leaders to confront and defeat terrorism is most commendable. Even more commendable is the united front they hope to present so that terrorism gets no hiding place or support base.
As the world looks forward to the next African Union (AU) meeting to consolidate on this plan, it is important for the leaders to first seek to understand the nature of the enemy they are about to confront.  Indeed, they should not be seen to be too hasty as a lot of planning and commitment will be required.
It will also be necessary to understand that terrorism is not just an African problem.  It is a global problem that must be confronted from all fronts. That means that while Africa concocts an African solution, the AU must liaise with the international community to make the mission succeed.
This is more so because terrorism knows no difference between persons and values. The world has become a global village and there is no part of the world that Africans cannot be found.  Terror attack anywhere is a loss to the whole world.
Even as terrorism seems to be a universal plague, it must not be forgotten that it has sponsors and tends to express a religious sentiment that must not be discounted. Especially, when the religion they pretend to serve has the history of forceful conversion and domination of territories of other faith.
That perhaps is the reason why the leaders should do everything to get the tacit and express commitment of all peace-loving peoples of the world to end terrorism. This must be done to avoid some nations becoming black-legs or tilting this noble effort to a multi-religious conflict.
It is important to bring everybody to the understanding that no one has the right to take the life of another, especially defenseless persons. The people of the world must accept that killing innocent persons, especially without declaring a war is the most cowardly act.
Terrorism has re-defined relations across the world and diverted the attention of humanity from other challenges confronting this age.  At a time when the world should be united against poverty, diseases, environmental crises, wars and the unknown future, killing other persons amount to shooting one’s self in the foot.
Unfortunately, terrorism has become the worst virus in some regions of the world. The hate and satanic passion that fuel this campaign of terror must be attacked from the root. Indeed, the world must ensure that terrorists have no access to nuclear weapon.
Terrorists should never be supported by any sane being or group.  This is a group of people that claim to be fighting for Allah in most cases, yet turn around to even attack and kill fellow Muslims.  These people have failed all classifications.  Even the beasts of the wild don’t kill without a reason.
The Tide thinks that what the African leaders have decided to do is great, but it actually is the project for all of humanity.  Everyone that knows that he was born free and is free to hold opinion and has a divine right to live must join in this battle against these children of the devil. They are not Muslims.
Also important is to cut supplies to terror groups, including weapons and funding.  They must be openly condemned, exposed and rejected.  The world must not be denied peace by the activities of a few demented elements. The time to stop this madness is now.