Terrorism in Africa: Threat to Regional Stability and Survival

Terrorism represents one of the most formidable security challenges on the African continent today. Terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, Al-Shabab and Al Qaeda have stepped up their operations in more sophisticated ways, unleashing a systematic campaign of bombings, kidnappings and shootings on different government and civilian targets, and leaving deaths and destructions on their trails. Undoubtedly, the magnitude of terrorist activities in Africa threatens democracy, political stability and economic development in many dimensions. It is argued that terrorism thrives mostly in environments characterized by conflicts, injustice, crass corruption, poverty, illiteracy, diseases and poor governance. This paper highlights the activities of terrorists in the African sub-regions, the key drivers of terrorism, terrorists' recruitment methods and the adverse impact of terrorism, using the social identity theory as the theoretical framework. The paper concludes with recommendations to curtail the violent trend.