(Counter-)terrorism in Africa: Reflections for a new decade

Image: Getty, Stringer/AFP
Image: Getty, Stringer/AFP

SAIIA and the University of Johannesburg's Department of Politics and International Relations invite you to a joint webinar.

Launch: Vol 28.2 of the South African Journal of International Affairs, a special issue on terrorism and counterterrorism in Africa

As the new decade dawns, the fields of terrorism and counterterrorism studies (as subfields of political science and international relations) are facing a multidimensional shift. This shift has given rise to some key developments which scholars and practitioners, working on terrorism and counterterrorism affairs in Africa, should be aware of, both on a continental and national scale. Key among the developments are the increasing sophistication of terrorism financing; the potential for bioterrorism in Africa in a time when the spread of highly contagious diseases is rife, and the persistence of certain terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and al-Shabaab and the growth of other terrorist groups such as Ansar al-Sunna in Mozambique.

These developments call for an assessment of certain transnational issues (such as terrorism financing) as well as national responses to terrorism to see what lessons can be learnt (if any) from Africa’s responses to terrorism and how these lessons can (and should) shape Africa’s response to terrorism going forward.

This event launches a forthcoming special issue of the South African Journal of International Affairs with some fresh perspectives on these new developments within the contexts of key states including Nigeria, South Africa, and Somalia. The insights housed within the forthcoming special issue emanate from a combination of established and emerging voices in the fields of political science and international relations, which adds to its unique contribution. It is hoped that this set of carefully curated articles will stimulate reflection, critical thought and debate on Africa’s responses to terrorism.

Download the speakers’ biographies.

Registration link to be provided in due course.

9 Jun 2021