Islamist extremist factions in Sub-Saharan Africa are distinguished by their diverse affiliations such as Al-Qaeda or ISIS. Despite their connections to the Middle East, these groups are primarily indigenous. They have utilized local mosques and religious institutions to establish their base and exploited ethnic divisions to recruit followers, including non-Muslims. By capitalizing on widespread social grievances and gaps in welfare systems, they have transformed local discontent into violent insurgencies.
In Africa, Sahel region is currently the most affected by radical Islamist threats. In Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria, Islamist militants regularly target both security forces and civilians. As of June 2021, Burkina Faso alone had over 921,000 displaced individuals. Mali reported approximately 240,000 internally displaced people, while Niger had 489,000, including refugees from Nigeria and Mali. In Nigeria, 7.7 million people required emergency aid in 2020, with women comprising half of it.
Despite initial setbacks, including Yusuf’s death, the group evolved and became more sophisticated and lethal.
Boko Haram emerged as Africa’s first major terrorist group. Founded by Mohammed Yusuf in 2002 in Nigeria’s Maiduguri region, it began as a religious movement. It was only in 2009 that Boko Haram started launching violent attacks in northern Nigeria. Despite initial setbacks, including Yusuf’s death, the group evolved and became more sophisticated and lethal. Today, Boko Haram operates as a transnational entity with three factions: Ansaru, ISWAP (Islamic State in West Africa Province), and the original Jamaat Ahl al-Sunna lil-Dawa wal-Jihad (JAS). Each faction operates differently, though they share ideological goals.
Mali, another Sahelian nation, struggles with Islamist terrorism in its northern regions, which border Algeria, Niger, and Mauritania. This area has long suffered from poverty, ongoing conflicts, and poorly controlled territories. Groups like Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and ISWAP have exploited these conditions, engaging in drug trafficking, extortion, and attacks on both civilians and security forces, further complicating Mali’s security situation.
In East Africa, Somalia is heavily affected by Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate. The group has been fighting the UN-backed Somali government for 18 years, inspired by recent Taliban victories. Despite African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces pushing Al-Shabaab out of Mogadishu in 2011, the group continues to carry out attacks from the outskirts and neighbouring countries.
In Southern Africa, Islamist militants have been active in Mozambique since 2017. In March 2021, they seized Cabo Delgado province, forcing Total Energies to withdraw from a $20 billion liquefied natural gas project. The group has killed 2,500 civilians, and the number of internally displaced persons has surged from about 70,000 to nearly 700,000, with estimates reaching one million.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces threats from ISIS-DRC, also known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Active since April 2019, ISIS-DRC has claimed numerous attacks and killed over 849 civilians in 2020. The U.S. State Department designated it as a terrorist organization in March 2021, and its leader, Musa Baluku, was named a global terrorist.
India’s defence cooperation with Africa includes participating in peacekeeping missions, training soldiers, conducting defence exercises, and providing security support. Indian troops are present in almost all African peacekeeping missions, with a significant presence in the DRC. India also financially supports peacekeeping missions, including AMISOM and the African-led International Support Mission to Mali.
The first India-Africa Defense Ministers conclave occurred in February 2020, with a second in October 2022. These meetings emphasized strengthening counter-terrorism and maritime security cooperation. India pledged to supply military equipment to African nations and facilitate information sharing and surveillance.
Under India’s chairmanship, the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group finalized an action plan addressing terrorism prevention, radicalization, financing, misuse of the internet, and other issues.
India and Nigeria held their first Strategic and Counter-Terrorism Dialogue. Discussions focused on combating terrorism, extremism, and radicalization, including cyberspace. Other countries, such as Tanzania and Mozambique, are also keen to strengthen their India defence relationship.
In July 2021, under India’s chairmanship, the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group finalized an action plan addressing terrorism prevention, radicalization, financing, misuse of the internet, and other issues. The plan aims to enhance counter-terrorism efforts in Africa and South Asia.
In October 2000, Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee emphasized the global nature of terrorism and the need for international cooperation. Current Prime Minister Modi’s foreign policy prioritizes maritime security and counter-terrorism, as evidenced by his invitation to Mauritius outside SAARC and visits to Seychelles and Mauritius to promote the “SAGAR” policy for Indian Ocean security.
Despite its commitments, India faces challenges due to limited resources and personnel in Africa. It must work with allies to remain vigilant and supportive. India’s historic commitment to Africa includes a moral obligation to protect vulnerable populations. Failure to uphold this responsibility could damage its reputation and future partnerships. India must remain proactive, adapt its counter-terrorism strategies, and learn from global experiences to safeguard its interests and contributions in Africa.
This commentary originally appeared in Modern Ghana.
The views expressed above belong to the author(s). ORF research and analyses now available on Telegram! Click here to access our curated content — blogs, longforms and interviews.
Samir Bhattacharya is an Associate Fellow at ORF where he works on geopolitics with particular reference to Africa in the changing global order. He has a ...
Read More +
PREV
