TERRORISM IN AFRICA: AFRICAN UNION`S PERCEPTION OF THE THREAT OF TERORRISM AND MEASURES TO PREVENT AND COMBAT TERRORISM

Date: 2005-10-18 to Invalid date

The recent bombings in Egypt served as a reminder of the threat of terrorism in Africa. In addition to this direct threat the involvement of African nationals in transnational terrorism networks are alarming. In August 2005 the US military`s European Command, which oversees military operations in Africa (except the Horn) announced that 25% of approximately 400 foreign fighters captured in Iraq were from North Africa. Closer to Southern Africa the recent arrest of Haroon Rashid Aswat in Zambia, after spending time in Johannesburg not only attracted media attention but also led to the question: What is being done to protect people in Africa against the growing threat of terrorism?

In an attempt to address this question the two speakers will provide their perspectives of the threat of terrorism and give insight into the role their organizations play to prevent and combat terrorism on the African continent.

Speakers

H.E Ambassador Abdelhamid Boubazine, the director of the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) will focus in his presentation on the threat of terrorism as perceived by the Centre followed by the role, structure and activities of the African Centre in preventing and combating terrorism in Africa.

Mr Martin Ewi from the African Union (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) will provide an overview of the threat of terrorism in Africa and the role and activities of the AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the prevention and combating of terrorism.

Please note that discussions occur under Chatham House rules, i.e. no attribution without specific permission.

Related Documentation

Seminar Presentation by Anneli Botha, ISS: `Terrorism in Africa`