African leaders have taken significant steps towards overcoming terrorism and the security challenges afflicting the continent. In recent years, the rise in terrorist activities in Africa has caught the attention of international observers and necessitated concerted efforts to improve the region’s safety and security landscape. Several African leaders have risen to the forefront of this campaign, undertaking various initiatives to confront and counter terrorist threats.
Inter-continental Collaboration
One of the most notable actions spearheaded by African leaders has been the emphasis on collaboration and cooperation. Several African states now actively collaborate on intelligence sharing, a move that has helped identify potential threats before they can become disastrous attacks. This framework of collaboration has drastically improved the preemptive strike capability of African nations against terrorism.
The groundbreaking African Union’s initiative Silencing the Guns by 2020 brought together all 55 member states to pledge commitment to ending all wars, civil conflicts, gender-based violence, and preventing genocide in the continent. Even though the goal hasn’t been fully achieved, the initiative significantly increased discussions and collaborations to address terrorism and other forms of violence.
Country-specific Initiatives
African leaders are not only cooperating on a continental level but are also implementing strategic initiatives within their countries. President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria intensifies military operations against terror groups, like Boko Haram, and works on strengthening the country’s borders against infiltration by external terror groups. In Mali, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta declared a state of emergency and launched a national call to arms, encouraging citizens to rise against terrorism.
In the Horn of Africa, the president of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, has taken a hard stance against terrorism by strengthening the Somali Armed Forces and conducting routine military activities against al-Shabaab militants. Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has developed multi-agency security operation centers to coordinate efforts and share intelligence for combating extremist groups.
Investing in Youth
Also, recognizing the role of youth in peacebuilding, African leaders are investing in social, economic, and political infrastructure to empower their continent’s young population. Understanding that terrorist groups often prey on the disenfranchised and impoverished, initiatives aimed at job creation, education reform, and social welfare are being implemented to provide alternatives to such harmful paths.
Moreover, promoting social integration and cultural acceptance has been identified as a means of breaking down the barriers that often lead to radicalization. Various campaigns and programs have been introduced across the continent to encourage this, with leaders advocating for unity in diversity.
