Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 48% of deaths due to terrorism in the world, according to the 2022 Global Terrorism Index. A finding that requires an effective response to this scourge. The African Union plans to reactivate security mechanisms which are slow to be operational, in particular the African Standby Force which could have a military strength of 2,700,000 soldiers. This mechanism, enshrined in the African Constitution in 2002, is still awaiting its launch.
Africa continues to face structural challenges to adequately address the root causes of terrorism, violent extremism and unconstitutional changes of government. It is becoming imperative, according to the African Union, to strengthen collective action to meet the challenges posed by these scourges.
“We have ensured that the necessary consultations will take place to promote collective security in the Sahel and other parts of our continent in the face of the threat”
Bankole ADEOYE, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs
Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 48% of global terrorism deaths according to the 2022 Global Terrorism Index, becoming the epicenter of the phenomenon. A persistence of terrorist violence that finds its essence in the sluggishness of continental and regional security mechanisms. These include the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Standby Force, the armed wing of the pan-African organization, created in 2002.
“We hope for the conclusion, this year, of the memorandum of understanding between the African Union and the regional mechanisms and the regional economic communities, we believe that the effective operationalization of the African Standby Force will materialize”
Bankole ADEOYE, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs
The issue of security financing is at the heart of the ineffectiveness of African counter-terrorism mechanisms. Only 10% of the budgets of African States are generally allocated to this sector. Focused on means of defence, these budgets neglect other important aspects of the fight against terrorism, access to basic social services. An approach capable of reducing the recruitment of terrorist groups within populations.
“If they feel they are part of society, if the social contract between government and citizens is actually respected, they will have little or no reason for people to join these groups.”
Researcher in Security Sciences
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat calls for greater political will in the eradication of terrorism and its consequences in Africa. African armies number about 2,700,000 men. Mobilizing 1-2% of these numbers could reduce Africa’s dependence on foreign military forces.
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