“Senegal, I reiterate, strongly condemns terrorism, wherever it strikes. Nothing, let alone religion, can justify such violent fanaticism,” President Macky Sall of Senegal told world leaders gathered at the 72nd annual general debate.

“At the same time,” he underscored, “we cannot accept that Islam is associated with violence. We cannot accept that Muslims be held responsible for violence that they themselves are victims to.”

“We are all concerned by the terrorist threat and therefore have a responsibility to work together to find concerted solutions to this scourge,” he noted.

Noting that this was the purpose of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa, the fourth session of which will be held in November, President Sall informed the Assembly that the Forum will focus on responding to violent extremism.

“We want an Africa in peace and security; an Africa that does not serve as a sanctuary for terrorist groups fought and defeated elsewhere,” the President noted, explaining that because of this reason Senegal – remaining committed to seven peace missions, including the UN Integrated Multidimensional Mission for Stabilization in Mali (MINUSMA) – welcomes the efforts of the G5 Sahel (Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad) and the partner countries in the fight against terrorism.