A new report from the Middle East Africa Research Institute has raised
alarm over the increasing threat of terrorism across Africa, with
South Africa (SA) being highlighted as a growing concern in the
financing of extremist groups.
The report, titled Tracking Tourism Trends in Africa, highlights how
instability in various African regions has created fertile ground for
radicalism, with both established and emerging Islamist groups vying
for power.
One of the most striking findings of the report is that terrorist
activity, traditionally concentrated in North Africa, is increasingly
spreading to Central and Southern Africa. According to Benji Shulman,
Executive Director of the Institute, while countries like Tunisia,
Mali, and Mauritania have historically been seen as the epicentre of
terrorism, newer hotspots are now emerging in sub-Saharan Africa. The
report specifically points to countries such as Nigeria, Somalia, the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Mozambique as key locations
where radical groups are gaining ground.
“In recent years, we’ve witnessed a shift in the geography of
terrorism. Southern Africa, including the DRC and Mozambique, is now
experiencing a rise in terrorist activities, which were once thought
to be more of a Northern African problem,” Shulman said during a live
interview.
In countries like the DRC and Mozambique, ongoing instability, such as
in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique, has created an environment
where both local and international terrorist groups can thrive.
Shulman explained that local grievances, including exclusion from
government and economic opportunities, often prompt groups to resort
to violence. However, these groups are increasingly affiliating with
larger international organizations like e Islamic State of Iraq and
Syria (ISIS), which offers resources and a platform for greater
influence.
While Southern Africa has historically been seen as relatively calm in
terms of terrorism, Shulman expressed growing concerns about the
region, particularly Mozambique. He noted that the presence of
extremist groups in the region is a cause for alarm, with the
potential for the violence to spill over into neighbouring countries
like SA.
“If the situation in Mozambique is not contained, it could have
serious ripple effects on the region. The instability in Cabo Delgado
could inspire more localised radical groups to form, potentially
destabilising neighbouring areas,” Shulman warned.
SA’s role in the global fight against terrorism is also under
scrutiny. While the country has not experienced widespread violent
extremism, it is becoming a key player in financing extremist
activities. The report highlights how SA has been used as a financial
hub for groups like ISIS, with funds flowing from the country into
other parts of Africa to support terrorism. The lack of strong
legislation and enforcement has allowed this to happen with little
oversight.
“We are not yet seeing significant violent activity linked to
terrorism in South Africa, but the financial networks operating here
are deeply concerning,” Shulman explained. “The absence of robust
legislation and the inability to track these financial flows make SA a
significant player in the global terrorism ecosystem.”
In conclusion, the report underscores the urgent need for stronger
counterterrorism measures across Africa. For SA, the priority is to
tighten financial regulations and bolster its security infrastructure
to prevent funds from supporting extremist groups. Across the
continent, governments must address the root causes of extremism,
including political instability, social exclusion, and economic
inequality, to prevent further radicalisation.
The Middle East Africa Research Institute’s findings serve as a stark
reminder of the evolving and interconnected nature of terrorism in
Africa, with serious implications for the region’s security and
stability.
–ChannelAfrica–