Root Causes of Terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa
Discuss about the Terrorism in Sub Saharan Africa.
The research intends and examines the factors regarding the emergence of terrorism in sub Saharan Africa. The term terrorism is not a new phenomenon in the history of mankind. Terrorism involves the association of criminal activity with the use of violence against the citizens of a nation carried out by non-state actors in order to gain political outcome[1]. This research focuses on the factors contributing to the emergence of terrorism and counter-terrorism in different parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The current focus of the nations is the global problem of terrorism which in recent years has become a menace. The emergence of terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa appeared to be serious threat to the national security of the country. It is already known that the Sub-Saharan Africa has faced serious problems of poverty since time immemorial. The terrorist activities have increased overtime greater incidents stated to occur. In such process the social, political and economic conditions of the Sub-Saharan Africa faced major drawbacks. The research seeks to provide a brief analysis on the roots and causes of terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa. The emergence of terrorism and counter-terrorism in the parts of Sub-Saharan Africa has been presented through various arguments.
According to ancient scholars, terrorism is a complex global phenomenon that can arise from ant country and culture. The process of terrorism has a strong historical background and people are not born terrorists. It is the political, social and economic background that forces people to carry out terrorist activities. This paper seeks to enhance different understanding of the causes of terrorism by explaining the criteria and instances of terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper aims to reach a conclusion by demonstrating the political, social and economic roots of terrorism. However, the ideological, philosophical and religious roots of terrorism were also considered while evaluating the causes and impact of terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this regard it can be stated that the mainstream of the paper confronts the readers with various questions which needs to b answered in detail for the purpose of this research.
- What is terrorism?
- What causes terrorism?
- What are the causes of terrorism and counter-terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa?
- What are the various roots of terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa?
The research questions presented above has been answered in an affirmative manner by addressing various trends associated with the emergence of terrorism and counter terrorism.
The data collection method is important in evaluating the accuracy of the data. It can be stated that for the purpose of this research paper data has been collected from the relevant sources for maintaining accuracy. The use of both primary and secondary data was involved. Information was collected through semi-structured interview method and various journals and articles were used. Data analysis can be performed with the help of qualitative and quantitative methods however for the purpose of the research both of them has been applied in order to ensure efficiency and accuracy of the paper within a short period of time. The research that has been carried out is a explanatory one and therefore in-depth interview method was used for the purpose of collecting information. The interview session was designed in a semi-structured way and an interview guide was constructed which focused on the relevant and important factors. Various diagrams have been presented showing the trends of terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa in order to establish quantitative approach.
Impact of Terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa
The concept of terrorism is complex and at the same time is emotive. Terrorism is considered to be complex because it involves various aspects of human experiences including concepts of politics, psychology, history and military strategies[2]. Terrorism on the other hand is considered to be emotive because it involves tremendous feelings regarding the experiences of terrorist activities. In some cases certain group of people considers the activities of terrorists to be justified because sometimes they develop strong feelings concerning the rightness of the use of violence. In the history of mankind terrorism is not a new phenomenon. Scholars have tried to form a precise definition of the term terrorism since time immemorial. Terrorism can be defined as the systematic use of terror against government or individuals of a nation which is associated with unpredictable violence for the attainment of political motive[3].
Terrorism has been defined by various authors throughout the ages. Walter Laqueur stated that the terrorism is the use of violence in order to achieve certain targets by inducing a state of fear in the minds of the victim. According to Alex and Albert, terrorism is an anxiety-inspiring method[4]. The Federal Bureau of Investigation however defined terrorism in a different way. The FBI defined terrorism as the unlawful use of force against person or property for the attainment of social and political objective[5].
Modern Authors believe that an effective approach to counter-terrorism can be achieved by addressing the root causes of terrorism[6]. The causes of terrorism can be investigated with the help of political and historical roots, social and economic roots and religious and ideological roots. It can be stated that political violence and conflicts are the essentials of terrorism.
According to ancient scholars the use of violence and fear has always been a part of the history. Modern authors however stated that terrorism and political systems are well connected. In this regard revolutionary violence is often considered as a product of conflict thereby giving rise to terrorism. It can be stated that while considering terrorism as an important part of nation-state policies it is essential to frame an example of the situation in the Middle East. The economic systems in the Middle East countries were corrupted which produced poverty due to lack of education and technical training. Modern philosophers were of the view that the foreign policy of America is responsible for the causes of terrorism[7]. However it was assumed by modern authors that in every country there exists small number of individuals willing to take serious political actions against these government policies[8]. In modern era terrorism is associated with social and political movements. The emergence of various political parties that have gained popularity mainly because of its non-violent activities can sometimes give rise to terrorism.
Scholars have argued that it would be considerably difficult to establish a direct link between terrorism and the underlying economic conditions. Modern authors laid emphasis on the part that terrorism is a political problem and can never be considered as an economic problem[9]. However modern authors have also defined the importance of politics in affecting the economic policies of a nation[10]. The economic policies from the very beginning have been creating injustice, inequalities in income and poverty. It is natural that people suffering as a result of these policies would definitely raise their voices. It can be stated that there is definitely an indirect link between terrorism and economic conditions.
Data Collection and Analysis
Kullberg and Jokinen have stated that terrorism cannot be considered as an ideology. It can be stated that since time immemorial terrorists have used the concept of ideology as a tool in implementing their activities[11]. In other words, it can be stated that terrorism requires a secular religion and an ideology in order to legitimize violence. It can be stated in this regard that human beings seeks justification in everything they do. This justification can be done with the help of ideological teachings.
According to Juergensmeyer, the ideologies and motivations related with religion are often interconnected with social, political and economic aspects[12]. In the modern era with the advent of globalization the threat of religious terrorism has increased. The clash of age old ideologies and the emergence of class conflict have been challenged by the emergence of new concept of religious terrorism. Terrorist activities carried out in the name of God have been a long debated affair in the history of mankind. Terrorism activities from the very beginning have been motivated by religious ideologies as believed by ancient scholars[13]. However modern scholars are of the views that religion cannot be considered as a tool in implementing terrorism because religion is for the betterment of the people[14]. It is often seen that terrorists claim that they come from certain religious background and thus created misconception in the minds of the people regarding the particular terrorism. Religion serves as a platform in dealing with the individual issues by addressing their inadequacies and thereby promising ultimate victory in such process. It can be stated that religion may help people to overcome with their frustration however religion in any way cannot be considered as a root cause of those frustrations. The psychological condition of an individual’s plays a crucial part in evaluating the wrongful intention.
The courses of terrorism can be explained with the help of the following graphs.
Figure: 1 Global Terrorism Index.
Source: [‘Resources — Statistica’ Statistica, 2017]
Figure: 2 Terrorist Attacks per Region.
Source: [‘Resources — Statistica’ Statistica, 2017]
It is important to from an idea about the root causes of terrorism in order to develop measures regarding its prevention. It is necessary that researchers and analysts as well as the policy makers of counter-terrorism to understand the emerging trends of terrorism. It is important to form strategic implications in order to evaluate the impact of terrorism in their society as well as international communities.
In present years it has been argued by modern economists that can poverty be the roots of terrorism? In order to critically determine the relation between poverty and terrorism it is necessary to present a gross estimate of daily income figures. It can be stated that while evaluating the daily income figure of Sub-Saharan Africa that the daily income figure is less than $1. It was observed that mostly the households of Africa exist in a subsistence basis by depending on the informal structure of the economy. Based on the evidences of terrorist activities from the Middle East it was stated by Krueger that an increase in educational attainment would definitely reduce the threat of poverty in the future and thereby would cause reduction in international terrorism[15]. The Federal Bureau of |Investigation however presented an important point of distinction between international and domestic terrorism. According to the FBI, much emphasis is laid on the distinction between poverty and terrorism by focusing on international terrorism[16]. The domestic terrorism activities in Sub-Saharan Africa are often ignored while focusing on the activities of international terrorism.
Definition of Terrorism
Figure: 3 Inequalities in Income.
Source: [‘Resources — Statistica’ Statistica, 2017]
According to modern economists, before 2001 there existed no foreign terrorist organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa. The rise of corruption, political instability and lack of efficient political leaders has created hindrance in the development of social and economic policies of the countries located in the regions of Sub-Saharan Africa[17]. It can be stated that due to the presence of weak government structure, Sub-Saharan Africa has become an area of terrorist activities in recent years. The rise of terrorism in recent years is a global issue. The Disarmament and International Security Committee seeks to provide necessary measures in order to reduce the problem of terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa[18]. The main issue associated with the threat of growing terrorism activities in Sub-Saharan Africa is due the presence of different types of terrorist groups. The important among them are:
The country of Nigeria has been struggling for years to defend its people from the Boko Haram terrorist group. It can be seen that in spite of the large scale assault by the Nigerian security forces in 2009, the Boko Haram has continued to re-emerge.
Africa largely consists of Muslim population and the activities of Al-Qaeda terrorist groups have increased in Nigeria and South Africa. The threat from such terrorist group is minor compared to East and North Africa.
The Al-Shabaab group has grown in number recently in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Sub-Saharan Africa is geographically situated in the continent of Africa which lies in the south of the Sahara Desert. The region has been vulnerable to chronic poverty and has been facing the problems of terrorism for years. In 1998, the Al-Qaeda targeted the United States embassies located in countries of Sub-Saharan Africa with truck bombs. In this event a large number of people were killed and due to such incident the rise of terrorism in Sub-Saharan African countries emerged as a major trouble for a number of countries including Nigeria, Sudan and Uganda. In recent years with the advent of sub-national and state terror which largely characterize the terrorist activities in Sub-Saharan Africa have converged with global network of terrorists[19]. In 2008 with the integration of Al-Shabaab with Al-Qaeda and with the emergence of globalization and technological developments, terrorism has grown outwards from the regions of Sub-Saharan Africa.
The increasing problem of terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa is a major concern for many countries. In order to solve the issue of terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa, the countries situated within this region discussed the problem in detail with the committee. In this regard the Union of Africa has strongly supported counter-terrorism through the implementation of various plans and policy in order to restore peace[20]. The United States of America being a vast international community have shown considerable support in efforts for counter-terrorism. The Unites States from the very beginning has increased its efforts in order to prevent Sub-Saharan Africa in serving as a platform for violent extremists.
The threat associated with terrorism is a major concern for all countries. However it can be observed that with the increase in terrorist activities in Sub-Saharan Africa the social and economic development faced major drawbacks. In recent trends the threats of terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa is complicated to address. The various terrorist groups have been successful in spreading ideologically oriented movements. It can also be observed that at certain point these terrorist groups gained dominance over illicit trade in particular territories. It can be stated that the Sub-Saharan Africa is not a tier-one priority for the United States however in order to safeguard the interests of human rights in such region, the United States have implemented various policies to prevent terrorist activities. It has been observed that the United States of America increasingly relies on the African countries for both military and political support. The United States in this regard should increase its efforts in order to counter-terrorism with the incorporation of various techniques, strategies and military tactics. The committees in Sub-Saharan Africa have implemented various modern techniques in order to counter terrorism. Counter terrorism strategies have been the topic of discussion within many countries however it is important to consider the current situation of such countries while addressing the isues of terroris
Causes of Terrorism
Adams S and Klobodu E, ‘Remittances, Regime Durability And Economic Growth In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)’ (2017).
Blomberg S, Fernholz R and Levin J, ‘Terrorism And The Invisible Hook’ (2017).
Demeke M and Gebru S, ‘THE ROLE OF REGIONAL ECONOMIC COMMUNITIES IN FIGHTING TERRORISM IN AFRICA: THE CASE OF INTER-GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY ON DEVELOPMENT (IGAD)’ (Eujournal.org, 2017).
‘Does State Failure Cause Terrorism? An Empirical Analysis (1999–2008)Journal Of Conflict Resolution – Bridget L. Coggins, 2015’ (Journals.sagepub.com, 2017).
‘Explaining Religious Terrorism: A Data-Mined Analysisconflict Management And Peace Science – Nilay Saiya, Anthony Scime, 2015′ (Journals.sagepub.com, 2017).
‘Fighting Terrorism In Africa By Proxy: The USA And The European Union In Somalia And Mali’ (Taylor & Francis, 2017).
Heath-Kelly C, ‘Counter-Terrorism And The Counterfactual: Producing The ‘Radicalisation’ Discourse And The UK PREVENT Strategy’ (2017).
‘Law Enforcement Tactics And Their Effectiveness In Dealing With American Terrorism: Organizations, Autonomous Cells, And Lone Wolves’ (Taylor & Francis, 2017).
Monga C and others, ‘The Causes And Consequences Of Terrorism In Africa’ (2017).
Rabe-Hemp C, ‘Terrorism, Domestic’ (2017).
‘Radicalisation And Violent Extremism In West Africa: Implications For African And International Security’ (Taylor & Francis, 2017).
Roy S, ‘Media Development And Political Stability: An Analysis Of Sub-Saharan Africa’ (2017).
Tankwanchi A, Özden Ç and Vermund S, ‘Physician Emigration From Sub-Saharan Africa To The United States: Analysis Of The 2011 AMA Physician Masterfile’ (2017).
‘Terrorism In Sub-Saharan Africa: The Missing Datainsight On Africa – Brenda J. Lutz, James M. Lutz, 2013’ (Journals.sagepub.com, 2017).
‘Terrorism In The Context Of Civil War | The Journal Of Politics: Vol 75, No 4’ (Journals.uchicago.edu, 2017).
‘The African State And The Failure Of US Counter-Terrorism Initiatives In Africa: The Cases Of Nigeria And Mali’ (Taylor & Francis, 2017).
‘The Nigerian Burden: Religious Identity, Conflict And The Current Terrorism Of Boko Haram’ (Taylor & Francis, 2017).
Thomas J, ‘Rewarding Bad Behavior: How Governments Respond To Terrorism In Civil War’ (2017).
‘Violent Conflicts And Civil Strife In West Africa: Causes, Challenges And Prospects’ (2017).
‘What Is A Terrorist Group? Conceptual Issues And Empirical Implications’ (Taylor & Francis, 2017).
Jakana Thomas, ‘Rewarding Bad Behavior: How Governments Respond To Terrorism In Civil War’ (2017).
Akhenaten Benjamin Siankam Tankwanchi, Ça?lar Özden and Sten H. Vermund, ‘Physician Emigration From Sub-Saharan Africa To The United States: Analysis Of The 2011 AMA Physician Masterfile’ (2017).
‘Fighting Terrorism In Africa By Proxy: The USA And The European Union In Somalia And Mali’ (Taylor & Francis, 2017).
‘What Is A Terrorist Group? Conceptual Issues And Empirical Implications’ (Taylor & Francis, 2017).
‘Law Enforcement Tactics And Their Effectiveness In Dealing With American Terrorism: Organizations, Autonomous Cells, And Lone Wolves’ (Taylor & Francis, 2017).
Samuel Adams and Edem Kwame Mensah Klobodu, ‘Remittances, Regime Durability And Economic Growth In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)’ (2017).
‘Violent Conflicts And Civil Strife In West Africa: Causes, Challenges And Prospects’ (2017).
‘Terrorism In The Context Of Civil War | The Journal Of Politics: Vol 75, No 4’ (Journals.uchicago.edu, 2017).
S. Brock Blomberg, Ricardo Fernholz and John-Clark Levin, ‘Terrorism And The Invisible Hook’ (2017).
Célestin Monga and others, ‘The Causes And Consequences Of Terrorism In Africa’ (2017).
‘The Nigerian Burden: Religious Identity, Conflict And The Current Terrorism Of Boko Haram’ (Taylor & Francis, 2017).
Explaining Religious Terrorism: A Data-Mined Analysisconflict Management And Peace Science – Nilay Saiya, Anthony Scime, 2015′ (Journals.sagepub.com, 2017).
Sanjukta Roy, ‘Media Development And Political Stability: An Analysis Of Sub-Saharan Africa’ (2017).
Terrorism In Sub-Saharan Africa: The Missing Datainsight On Africa – Brenda J. Lutz, James M. Lutz, 2013′ (Journals.sagepub.com, 2017).
Charlotte Heath-Kelly, ‘Counter-Terrorism And The Counterfactual: Producing The ‘Radicalisation’ Discourse And The UK PREVENT Strategy’ (2017). Cara Rabe-Hemp, ‘Terrorism, Domestic’ (2017).
‘Does State Failure Cause Terrorism? An Empirical Analysis (1999–2008)Journal Of Conflict Resolution – Bridget L. Coggins, 2015’ (Journals.sagepub.com, 2017).
‘Radicalisation And Violent Extremism In West Africa: Implications For African And International Security’ (Taylor & Francis, 2017).
The African State And The Failure Of US Counter-Terrorism Initiatives In Africa: The Cases Of Nigeria And Mali’ (Taylor & Francis, 2017).
Memar Demeke And Solomon Gebru, ‘The Role Of Regional Economic Communities In Fighting Terrorism In Africa: The Case Of Inter-Governmental Authority On Development (Igad)’ (Eujournal.Org, 2017).
Order an Essay Now & Get These Features For Free:
Turnitin Report
Formatting
Title Page
Citation
Outline
