African leaders, as well as officials from the United Nations, are meeting to discuss counter terrorism in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. CGTN's correspondent Robert Nagila has the latest from the gathering.  

From the Sahel region, where Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger and Mauritania are coordinating a security response to a Jihadist threat, to West Africa, where Nigeria and Cameroon are battling the Islamic State affiliated group Boko Haram, to East Africa where Al shabbab continues to pose a significant threat to the region, there appears to be no end in sight to the terror threats facing the continent.

Now, a two-day counter-terrorism conference in Nairobi, hosted by the United Nations aims to reverse the trend.

ANTONIO GUTTERES UN SECRETARY GENERAL "I deeply believe that African peace enforcing and counter terrorism operations must have strong and clear mandates by the UN Security Council backed by sufficient, Predictable and sustainable financial support mainly through assessed contributions."

Kenya's President, whose country has borne the brunt of some the deadliest terror attacks in recent years is urging the adoption of a multifaceted approach in fighting terrorism.

UHURU KENYATTA KENYAN PRESIDENT "Discussions and solutions should propose multifaceted approaches to combat terrorism, extremism and radicalization that confront the vice on the battlefield, in places of worship, in market places, in our schools as well as our homes."

The African Union meanwhile has called on member states to deal with the root causes of radicalization as they address security threats.

MOUSSA FAKI MAHAMAT CHAIRPERSON, AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION "This is no ordinary enemy, countries are now forced to address competing priorities between development and security."

AYA CHEBBI YOUTH ENVOY, AU "Translating this perception of fear into collective punishment of African youth through discriminatory policies is not the solution and can even add to the grievances and further radicalize affected youth."

ROBERT NAGILA NAIROBI, KENYA "The next few hours will be crucial in formulating a new strategy on how Africa combats terrorism from its root causes to the threats it poses. RN, CGTN, Nairobi, Kenya."