Highlighting that a violence-free Africa is necessary to prevent external forces including terrorists exploiting resource-rich region, Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan said that those “guilty of aiding and supporting terrorism” in different parts of Africa and simultaneously exploiting the resources must be held accountable by the international community, newsmobile.in reports on October 6. Muraleedharan made these remarks during a UNSC debate titled “Peace and Security in Africa: Strengthening the fight against the financing of armed groups and terrorists through the illicit trafficking of natural resources.” He also highlighted that the terrorist groups are accentuating their funding by exploiting the resource-rich region. “These regions have remained vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing. Terrorist and armed groups are increasingly funding their activities through illegal exploitation of natural resources and trafficking of wildlife, and extortion, etc., amongst other well-known activities.”