22 Sep 2003: Statement: Seminar on Terrorism in Southern Africa Media Statement on the Seminar on Terrorism in Southern Africa 22 September 2003   Terrorism in Africa under scrutiny  The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) has hosted a successful two-day seminar on terrorism in Africa from 18-19 September 2003 in Pretoria. Amongst the participants were government representatives, academics and security sector officials from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries as well as diplomats and representatives from other countries and international and regional organisations and agencies such as the UNODC, IOM and SARPCCO.  The Honourable Mr Charles Nqakula, the South African Minister for Safety and Security opened the proceedings. Day One dealt with a contextual overview, highlighting the difficulty of coming up with a universally acceptable definition of terrorism.  Presenters dealt with issues around terrorism in Africa, eg whether Zimbabwe constituted a form of state-sponsored terrorism, Islamic extremism in South Africa and the Tanzania bombings.  The links between organised crime and money laundering were scrutinised. Presenters discussed what motivated individuals to resort to violence, from a Muslim and right-wing perspective.  The second day dealt with the practical, legislative and human rights dimensions of counter-terrorism strategies. Speakers looked at various counter-terrorism strategies, the current and future role of SARPCCO, compliance of SADC countries in terms of their regional and international obligations relating to terrorism conventions, and stumbling blocks in prosecuting trans-national terrorism cases. Participants received a detailed account of the arrests of alleged Al Qaeda members in Malawi a few weeks ago and the South African extradition in the Khalfan Khamis Mohamed case.  For more details contact Anneli Botha or Annette Hübschle.  Issued by the Institute for Security Studies 22 September 2003
