African Countries That Have Never Experienced Terrorist Attacks, What Are They Doing Differently?

BAMAKO, MALI- A terrorist attack on Mali on Tuesday 17^th September left the country’s militant government on the hot seat by many diplomats with questions on the security of the country.

 The attack occurred at Faladie Gendarmerie School, a military police centre in Bamako, near the military airport. Gunmen tried to infiltrate the training school. There was massive damage to property and several soldiers especially trainees were killed. The government has however not confirmed the number of those who died.

 The Qaeda-linked group, Jama ‘at Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) took complete responsibility for the attack. This confirms that it was indeed a terrorist attack on Mali. This has prompted many schools to close and fear of movement across the country.

African countries have been the target of many terrorist attacks over the years. However, some countries have never experienced insurgencies. In Africa, peace and stability following good governance have reigned supreme in various countries. Below are a few countries that have never experienced terrorist attacks and how they have been able to do it.

 8.Malawi

Malawi is known as the Warm Heart of Africa for its peace and stability with forces against terrorism. Malawi organized the double launch of the National Counterterrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy (2023-2028) and National Plan of Action against Trafficking Persons (2023-2028) which took place at Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe, Malawi on 30th October 2023. The National Strategy of 2023 was made with reference to Malawi’s existing key related policies and strategies like its National Security Policy adopted in 2017.

 7. Morocco

Morocco has built an effective program for counterterrorism countering violent extremism which led US Africa Command to label Morocco “Africa’s premier security exporter”.  It hosted the 2022 ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to defeat ISIS. Morocco is also a member of the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF) where it took over the co-chair seat from Egypt in 2023.

 6. Zambia

Zambia has taken the bull by its horns when it comes to terrorism. The Zambian National Assembly passed the National Anti-terrorism Proliferation Act No.6 of 2018 and repealed the less effective Anti-Terrorism Act of 2007. An autonomous body was established in Zambia in 2010 called the Financial Intelligence Centre(FIC). It works closely with law enforcement ensuring the continued prevention and detection of money laundering, terrorism and proliferation and financing other crimes.

 5. Namibia

In establishing joint consultative forums with regional states on defence and security, Namibia stands clear of terrorist attacks. The country took part in the 75^th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations at the Sixth Committee on measures to eliminate international terrorism on 7^th October 2020. Namibia has also put in place legal measures to combat the attacks for example the Prevention of the Organized Crime Act of 2004.

 4. Ghana

Ghana has over the years recognized the threat of terrorism in the region especially since most of its neighbours have been prey to these attacks. The president of the Republic of Ghana in 2019 therefore put up a directive against terrorism. This is known as the National Framework for the Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism and Terrorism. This framework aims at preventing terrorism and minimizing the threat to Ghana and Ghana’s interests so that people go about their lives freely and with confidence. This framework called for the participation of different ministries in the country to take part in the fight against terrorism.

 3. Botswana

Botswana is a peace-loving country. It ensures to stay clear of anything concerning crime and violence. To ensure this the country adopted the Security Council Resolution 2178 of 24^th September 2014. Botswana was also one of the host countries in the Terrorism Prevention Branch of UNODC workshops on strengthening border security and supporting the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540(2004). This workshop took place from 21-22 September 2023 in Gaborone, Botswana.

 2.Madagascar

Madagascar is active on the regional and global stage when it comes to the fight against Terrorism. It has taken part in regional and global conferences that are Anti-terrorist. An example is the International Convention for the

Suppression of the financing of terrorism in 1999in New York. Madagascar is also part of the many alliances whose main objective is to combat terrorism for example the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) convention on the prevention and combating of terrorism in 2003. All these forces have enabled to stand clear of terrorists.

1. Mauritius

Mauritius is regarded as the most peaceful country in Africa with a crime rate that is meagre. This gained it the 22^nd spot on the 2024 Global Peace Index. The government of Mauritius pledged to uphold the rule of law, promote the rule of law and promote culture a culture of governance, accountability, and transparency. It also has a robust Anti-money laundering/ Combatting the Financing of Terrorism strategy (AML/CFT). This is to counter terrorist financing. Mauritius also has the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 2002. These and many other efforts have been put in place to ensure a very peaceful country.

Conclusion

Various countries in Africa have never experienced terrorism for example Zimbabwe, Senegal, Lesotho, and Gabon. This article therefore talks of a pinch in the vast ocean. The governments of these countries have put in place tough anti-terrorism strategies and left no stone unturned when it came to ensuring peace in their territories. They also have firm regional and global partnerships to do away with this vicious crime.