According to state.gov, ISIS was defeated a few years ago. However, the organization's presence and existence remain conspicuous in Africa. Ongoing conflicts in Somalia, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso demonstrate that ISIS has shifted its focus away from Iraq and Syria.
Although ISIS lacks a clear
hierarchy like Al-Qaeda, its followers and supporters wholeheartedly believe in
its strong ideology.
In 2014, the United States led
the formation of a broad international coalition known as 'The Global Coalition
to Defeat ISIS' to combat the organization during the height of the Syrian and
Iraqi conflict.
The primary objectives of this
83-member coalition are to degrade and defeat ISIS, which poses a threat to
international peace and security.
ISIS has brought thousands of
foreign fighters from around the world to combat zones like Syria and Iraq, and
it has used technology to promote its violent extremist ideology and instigate
terrorist attacks.
For example, the United States
and its allies declared war on terrorism based on the theory that a
"new" adversary must be discovered to sustain Western civilization's
hegemony over global issues.
The defeat of Al-Qaeda and
ISIS has shifted Western powers' attention to other civilizations, particularly
China and India.
Despite operating within
specific parameters, Boko Haram, Al Shabaab, Ansar al Sunna, and Al-Qaeda in
the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) lack strong leadership and financing, which will
hinder their ability to expand their operations beyond their current operating
zones.
The Islamic State West Africa
Province (ISWAP), Boko Haram's adversary, claimed responsibility for the
killing of Boko Haram commander Abubakar Shekau recently in Sambisa Forest.
This indicator suggests that
the ongoing competition between terrorist groups in Africa will impede their
collaborative efforts. Boko Haram is predominantly active in West Africa,
encompassing Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, while Al Shabaab operates in
East Africa, particularly Somalia.
Ansar al Sunna's operational
base is situated in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado Province. Meanwhile, Al-Qaeda in
the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is conducting operations in the Sahel, a region
spanning from the western to the eastern parts of northern Senegal to the far
north of Ethiopia.
Terrorism poses a global
security threat that has significantly proliferated in Africa following the
defeat of Al Qaeda and ISIS.
Nevertheless, the demise of
influential leaders such as Al Qaeda's Osama bin Laden and ISIS's Caliph Abu
Bakr al-Baghdadi will further demoralize their ground operatives, supporters,
and sympathizers.
Additionally, with the backing
of special forces from the United States and France, the respective countries'
militaries are jointly launching an offensive against them, which would
significantly impede their progress in Africa.
Many African nations are
characterized by their underdeveloped status and have historically depended on
assistance from Western countries, including the United States, the United
Kingdom, and France. Consequently, it is crucial for these former colonial
powers to provide aid to African nations in order to protect their autonomy.
Recently, there has been a lot
of anxiety about the threat of terrorism in Africa. Increased terrorist
activity on the continent puts regional stability and international security in
danger.
The situation has gotten worse due to the presence of
numerous extreme groups.
Attacks on civilian
populations, kidnappings, and suicide bombings are only a few of the techniques
used in terrorism in Africa. Numerous innocent people have died as a result of
these acts of violence, which have also had a negative effect on the
socioeconomic advancement of the countries involved.
The causes of terrorism in
Africa are intricately layered and varied. Political unrest, economic
disparity, and religious extremism are all elements that contribute to the
radicalization of people. Additionally, poor governance frameworks and open
borders make it easy for terrorist organizations to operate and grow their
influence.
Africa's fight against
terrorism needs to be comprehensive and well-coordinated. This entails boosting
intelligence sharing, fostering regional cooperation, and putting into practice
successful counterterrorism tactics. To address the underlying causes of
terrorism and destroy extremist networks, African countries must cooperate with
one another and with outside partners.
In addition, it is crucial to
address the socioeconomic problems of underprivileged people in order to stop
the development of terrorism. African nations may lessen the allure of
extremist beliefs and the possibility of people turning to terrorism by
encouraging inclusive development, offering education and career opportunities,
and resolving grievances.
In a nutshell,
regional stability and international security are seriously threatened by
terrorism in Africa. Africa must address the underlying causes of terrorism,
improve cooperation, and put in place efficient counterterrorism measures. By
doing this, the continent may work towards a future of greater peace and
prosperity.
27.09.2023
Kuala Lumpur.
https://focusmalaysia.my/terrorism-in-africa-post-al-qaeda-and-isis-defeat/
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