Topic: Countering the Threat Posed by Improvised Explosive Devices
Country: Senegal
Delegate Name: Divya Reddy
School: Williamston High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Senegal position papers GLIMUN 2017 committees
An Improvised Explosive Device also known as an IED is an improvised device made to destroy, attack, or harass using different types of sometimes lethal chemicals. IED’s are extremely dangerous, and they can be built using somewhat common materials. Between 2011 and 2013 during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflict, more than 53,000 individuals were harmed or killed by IEDs. Since these devices take so little effort to construct, the amount of terror groups and non-state actors using IEDs is rapidly growing. This poses a serious threat to innocent civilians due to the fact that IEDs are easily hidden, and they could seriously injure a unsuspecting individual. With the growing amount of IED unauthorized use and no progress on limiting the amount of IEDs, civilians around the world are in great danger. The United Nations needs to take action on a solution soon before larger disasters are caused by illegal IED use.
Senegal does not have a huge threat from IEDs, however Senegal is very active in counter terrorism, making it a viable target. Senegal also borders many countries where IEDs are a major threat such as Mali and Guinea-Bissau. Senegal has taken many precautions to counter the threat of IEDs since it is located in the region where IEDs are most common. Senegal forces have participated in various training conferences to help prepare for IED attacks. These conferences include: INTERPOL, which helps to increase border security in West Africa and the Africa Readiness Training program which includes training in IED deduction. Senegal forces have also attended conferences such as “Flintlock” which provided counter IED training. Senegal attended a joint training with US Army Africa in July of 2017 to increase capacity and learn important tactics regarding IEDs. Senegal also provides troops and assistance to MINUSMA operation in Mali which helps to reduce civilian injury from IEDs.
Senegal states that to counter the use of IEDs troops will need to be trained to handle IED attacks and be knowledgeable on the topic. Senegal believes that for the United Nations to combat terrorism they must hold peace keeping as their main goal. Two of the main issues that is preventing C-IED in Senegal are poverty and the amount of landmines spread throughout the country. Senegal proposes that border security be held at as a main focus in order to prevent the spread of IED use and that police forces learn to be able to adapt to the given environment. Therefore, the cooperation from surrounding counties and the correct resources are needed. Senegal continues to attend many counter terrorism training conferences to further prepare troops for IED attacks as well. Senegal has worked to increase its police number in public spaces and = police forces have formed an anti-terrorist unit to respond to terrorism and apprehend terrorists. Senegal expects to find support in countries that are also working to prevent terrorism such as the United States, and bordering countries, Mali and Mauritania.
