History and root causes of terrorism in Africa

Makinda, Samuel M. (2007) History and root causes of terrorism in Africa. In: Okumu, W. and Botha, A., (eds.) Understanding terrorism in Africa: In search for an African voice. Institute for Security Studies, Pretoria, South Africa, pp. 15-21.

Abstract

The aim of this paper is fourfold. First, it explains briefly why it is difficult to find a universally acceptable definition of terrorism. Second, it describes how history is crucial to any explanation and understanding of terrorism in Africa. Third, it discusses how and why socio-economic factors, lack of social justice, porous borders and poor governance mechanisms and structures have triggered , and could still trigger, disaffection that could lead to terrorism in some parts of the continent. Fourth, it suggests three ways of responding to the threats of terrorism in Africa, bearing in mind the primary responsibility to protect the people and preserve their values, norms and institutions.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Social Sciences and Humanities
Publisher:	Institute for Security Studies
Publisher's Website:	http://www.issafrica.org/
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/25366

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