On 21st January, 2025, the United Nations Security Council will convene a pivotal open debate on countering terrorism in Africa themed; “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Countering Terrorism in Africa." This event comes at a critical moment, given the alarming surge in terrorist attacks on the continent. 2,122 terrorist attacks were recorded from 1st January 2023 – 30 September 2023(ACSRT, 2023).The African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre (AUCTC) further reported that between April and June 2024, 1,003 attacks resulted in 4,818 deaths (AUCTC, 2024).
The gravity of the matter was further emphasized by the UN Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks in April 2024 that "the epicentre of terrorism had shifted from the Middle East and North Africa into sub-Saharan Africa.”
The State of Counterterrorism in Africa
Several initiatives to address the growing threat of terrorism exist on the continent. Foundational documents such as the Plan of Action on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism in Africa (2002) and the Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism (2004) provide the strategic framework for these efforts.
Institutions such as the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT/CAERT) provide evidence-based strategies, while the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) provides support through on-the-ground responses and intelligence sharing. Additionally, African Regional Economic Communities (RECs) contribute to counterterrorism efforts through various regulatory, research, and implementation initiatives.
However, despite these measures, terrorism continues to threaten peace and security across Africa. This ongoing challenge has prompted calls to reassess the development, implementation, and relevance of existing strategies.
A Comprehensive Approach
African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS),Ambassador Bankole Adeoyewho is expected to give a brief at the event, has since assuming office, advocated for moving beyond military responses to combat terrorism by employing prevention, deradicalization, and addressing root causes such as poverty and governance deficits.
The same was echoed during theSub-Saharan Africa Civil Society CFT Conference,where civil society leaders highlighted the importance of collaborative, human rights-centric approaches. They emphasized the need for increased collaboration and engagement with civil society in the design and implementation of national and regional counterterrorism initiatives, as articulated in theKampala Declaration.
African-Led Mechanisms
Cognizant of the significance of international partners in the fight against terrorism, there is a resounding call to adapt counterterrorism and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) strategies tailored to Africa’s unique realities. These mechanisms must be tailored to address the specific needs of grassroots communities in areas most affected by terror attacks, ensuring they are both effective and context-sensitive.
As we look forward to the debate, particularly with African leadership at the helm—Chairman Ahmed Attaf, Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, and AU Commissioner Bankole Adeoye—there is hope for a meaningful shift in the approach to countering terrorism in Africa. Guided by actionable, collaborative, and African-led solutions, aligning global efforts with the continent’s unique realities and needs.