Mapping the contours of terrorism and counterterrorism in Africa

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the trend of terrorism in Africa and the counterterrorism efforts of African states at individual and collective levels. It argues that African governments need to go beyond prescribing standards to pursuing pragmatic and concerted efforts against all forms of terrorism in line with the principle that terrorism in one country is terrorism in all. The threat posed by terrorism to the integrity of African states and the wellbeing of their citizens has been enormous thereby leading to its placement in the front burner of the security agenda of many of the affected states. It is a very popular word in terms of frequency of usage; commonly used in the political lexicon as much the same way as the threat of it has become a daily occurrence in many countries of the world today. The post-colonial era in Africa was characterised by the failure of most states to “settle down” and democratically manage their independence.