Abstract
M.A. (Politics)
The 9/11 attacks in New York City signified the serious nature of terrorism and the dire need for
global counterterrorism efforts. Terrorism is a multifaceted phenomenon that has impacted the
African continent. Terrorist activities on the continent have resulted in the displacement of persons,
loss of lives and properties as well as impacted on overall development. Africa is faced with, among
others, challenges of good governance, security and economic growth. These challenges present an
environment for terrorism to thrive and serve as a cog in the wheel of the African Union’s efforts to
counter terrorism. The threat of terror in Africa emerged with the formation of a number of groups
with different agendas and operating in different parts of the continent, spreading fear. The Groupe
Islamique Arme, The Lord’s Resistance Army, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and others have
operated in different parts of the continent.
The objectives of this thesis include a provision of an overview of the nature of terrorism in Africa
as well as to the examination of the AU’s counterterrorism framework, institutions, and
interventions. The study examines the African Union’s Peace and Security Architecture and its
counterterrorism framework with a focus on its interventions to counter terrorism in Nigeria (Boko
Haram) and Somalia (Al Shabaab). Study employs the theories of rational choice and organisation
as part of the theoretical framework. This study also focuses on the role Regional Economic
Communities have played in combatting terrorism.
This thesis argues that the organisational challenges of the African Union make it difficult to
counter terrorism. The main challenges include; the lack of consolidation of institutions, the lack of
capacity regarding funding and personnel, and the lack of implementation. These challenges in
many cases hinder the progress of the African Union. This study focuses on the period 2002 until
2014 that is from when the Organisation of African Unity transitioned into the African Union until
the beginning of writing the thesis.