BRUSSELS (Imran Saqib Ch) – The Council of the European Union has taken a significant step in its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism by publishing legal acts related to sanctions against individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda. These measures, which have been in effect since September 2016, complement existing sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council.
Key Developments:
- New Additions to the Sanctions List:
- The EU has added two prominent figures to its autonomous list of sanctions:
- Mohamed Ibrahim al-Shafi’i Al-Salem (Aba Al-Sahraoui): Aba Al-Sahraoui leads the ISIL-affiliated group known as the ‘Islamic State Sahel Province.’ This group operates primarily in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali.
- Katiba Macina: Linked to Al-Qaeda, Katiba Macina is associated with the group Jama’a Nusrat Ul-Islam Wa Al-Muslimin (JNIM), active in the Sahel region, particularly in Central Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
- These additions bring the total number of individuals and groups on the EU’s autonomous list associated with ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaeda to 15 persons and 6 groups.
- The EU has added two prominent figures to its autonomous list of sanctions:
- Sanctions Details:
- The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans aimed at preventing EU persons and entities from providing financial support to the listed individuals and groups.
- The EU emphasizes its commitment to countering the ongoing terrorist threat posed by Al-Qaeda, ISIL/Da’esh, and their affiliates.
- Broader Efforts for International Peace and Security:
- These measures are part of broader efforts to safeguard international peace and security by preventing terrorist attacks and the dissemination of terrorist propaganda.
- The legal acts related to this decision have been officially published in the Official Journal of the EU.
Background: Since September 2016, the EU has had the authority to autonomously impose sanctions against ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaeda, complementing the UN Security Council’s actions. The recent extension of restrictive measures until October 31, 2024, underscores the EU’s unwavering commitment to combatting terrorism globally.
