The influx of foreign terrorist fighters, particularly from Asia, into Africa’s conflict zones, such as the Islamic State East Africa Province, indicates the continent’s emergence as the new epicenter for global terrorism.
Historically, foreign fighters gravitated toward the Middle East, notably Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, but recent trends indicate a significant shift toward Africa. For instance, operations by the Puntland Counterterrorism Forces have revealed individuals from Malaysia and Bangladesh within the ranks of IS affiliates, displaying the global reach of these networks. In July 2025, the Puntland Government Defence Forces published that during Operation Hilaac earlier this year, decapitating Islamic State’s top leadership was the key mission. During Phase 3 of this operation, they eliminated the Head of Medical Operations of Islamic State East Africa Province, Dr Hakeem Ubeyda who was from Malaysia. Refer: https://x.com/AhmedA_Sheikh/status/1941490105018994872
With fewer than 900 Islamic State fighters remaining in Iraq and Syria’s Anbar Desert, Africa has become a focal point for terrorist activities, necessitating urgent attention to this evolving threat.
This development calls for enhanced international collaboration to stem the flow of foreign fighters and address their recruitment networks.
African governments must work closely with countries of origin to facilitate the repatriation of captured fighters and disrupt the chain migration that fuels these movements.
Simultaneously, building local intelligence and counterterrorism capacities is critical to monitor and neutralize foreign influences. By combining diplomatic efforts with robust security measures, African nations can safeguard their sovereignty and prevent the continent from becoming a permanent hub for global terrorist networks, ensuring a stable and prosperous future.
Rohan Gunaratna
“Counter-Terrorism in Africa” is a 2-day workshop to be held this December 15-16, 2025.
Inviting African government & civil society leaders, policymakers, security practitioners, and students! To register, visit: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Y0Uw3OfyQqGWm8AX4MGhnA
To learn more, visit this link.
